"Government and the school board have certainly created a mess for the parents and students of Carbonear," said Sweeney. "St. Joseph’s school was slated to close following renovations to Davis Elementary and St. Francis where the displaced students would be transferred. We now have a situation where the school year will begin in four weeks and no renovations or plans have been put in place to allow a smooth transition.

"In light of this, I have written Minister Ottenheimer calling on him to step in immediately and rectify this problem. I have asked that he post-pone the closure of St. Joseph’s for at least one year and explore the other available options. It would not be possible for renovations to take place between now and September and it would not be fair to the students to make the move without having the proper infrastructure put in place first."

The Liberal MHA has spent a lot of time speaking with parents and school officials who all agree that the current plan is not in the best interests of the community and students. "It makes no sense for government to renovate one school in Harbour Grace and another in Carbonear that is nearing the end of it’s useful life. I agree that St. Joseph’s does need to close. What I have suggested to the minister, school board and parents is that both Davis Elementary and St. Joseph’s be replaced with a new school in Carbonear.

"I have asked the minister to deal with this issue as soon as possible so that parents and students can move forward with plans for September."