WHEREAS the needs of urban and rural residents are often different; and 

WHEREAS urban school trustees often do not appreciate the nature of problems associated with rural schools, nor how important they are to rural communities; and 

WHEREAS rural school closures have often been the result of urban/rural splits on the present School Division Boards; 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Saskatchewan take immediate and appropriate steps to dissolve the present School Division Boards, and replace them with the School Division Boards that represent solely rural residents or solely urban residents.

Response from Honourable Ken Krawetz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Education:

The Education Act, 1995, which is the legislation guiding the establishment and operation of school divisions, provides for the election of school board members in accordance with the procedures set out in this act and The Local Government Election Act.  All ratepayers within the boundaries of a school division have the opportunity to participate in this democratic process as a candidate for election to that board of education.
 

Boards of education are locally-elected and accountable to the communities they serve. Their decisions are based on their analysis of the overall needs and circumstances of their particular schools and communities. We have found boards of education take their responsibilities in this regard seriously. The Government of Saskatchewan does not intend to propose legislation changes amending the election process for boards of education.