The school council has been petitioning the provincial government and school board for the past two years concerning the closure of St. Joseph’s school and the bussing of students to Harbour Grace beginning in September. The school board had been considering options presented to them when the government implemented changes to the system that eliminated the Avalon West School Board.

"I have received a response back from the Minister to a letter I sent earlier this Spring, and the Minister obviously does not understand the situation," said Sweeney. "The Minister denies that he has any responsibility for the situation and will not become involved. I must remind the Minister that it was he who changed the structure of the school boards and appointed the transitional committees to work under his direction."

Sweeney feels that this situation should be given the same consideration as St. Mary’s School in St. John’s that was slated to close earlier this year. When the board reorganization occurred, the decision was delayed until further study could be done. "I am only asking the same thing happen here. I am calling on government to put the decision to close St. Joseph’s on hold for this year so that a proper consultation process can occur and alternatives considered. This decision is very important and cannot be pushed through by a transitional committee that has not been involved from the beginning or know the issue.

"The Minister of Education must become involved in this situation to ensure the best decision is made for the future of our children. I am calling on him to rectify this situation before the education and lives of our children are negatively impacted. School reopens in just over two months and the time to act is now."