Released on April 14, 2008
Education Minister Ken Krawetz introduced legislation in the house today that amends The Education Act, 1995 to expand the process boards of education follow when making the decision to close schools that are located within school districts.
"We felt that it was important to make sure the process boards of education follow to close rural schools is consistent across the province and that affected communities are fully engaged," Krawetz said.
Under The Education Amendment Act, 2008 all boards of education will continue to have the authority to close schools or discontinue grades. The section of the Act that details the process boards of education must follow when closing a school in a school district has been changed.
School divisions will now be required to provide formal notice to communities that a school is under review in October rather than the current practice of providing notice in February to allow for a longer consultation period. There will also now be a requirement for the formation of school review committees made up of school community council members, local government and community representatives. Decisions regarding urban schools are not included in the new process, as they are located outside of school districts.
"These amendments balance the need to expand consultation, communication and assessment with the need to ensure the continued strength of the education system through autonomous, locally elected boards of education," Krawetz said.
The Act also now allows for the Minister of Education to designate a school as a School of Opportunity. The criteria are currently being developed in consultation with education partners and are expected to be ready by the end of the school year.
Additional amendments to the Act include an update to the provisions on the identification of students with special needs and a new requirement for the Education Relations Board to provide copies of its decisions and an annual report to the Ministry of Education.
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5609
Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca
