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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District Bay of Islands, says he has been advised
by the Western School District that they will be cutting 54 teaching
positions this year as a result of cutbacks announced in last year’s
provincial budget. Government announced in last year’s budget that they
would be eliminating 476 teaching positions over two years. Last year, 256
teaching positions were eliminated, including 60 teachers from the Western
School District.
"I was very disappointed to learn that the Department of Education is
still planning to move forward and cut another 54 teaching positions," said
Mr. Joyce. "Last year’s cuts had a negative impact in schools all over the
west coast. In the Corner Brook area, classes with over 30 students is
becoming a common occurrence. This is unacceptable and will only get worse
with the reduction of more teaching positions.
"These cuts will continue to have a negative impact on the education of
our young people. It is unfortunate that government has not given the school
boards any indication that these cuts will be reversed. As a result, we will
continue to witness a major impact and increased pressure on our already
stressed school system.
"Danny Williams hand-picked political appointment to the Western School
District, Naida Borden, has continued to stay silent on these cutbacks. As a
matter of fact, there has been a gag order implemented on the principals in
the school district and they have been ordered not to speak publicly about
the negative impact these decisions are having on their schools. They have
also been ordered to direct any inquiries to the school board office.
Instead of looking after the interests of the students Ms. Borden
represents, she is more interested in furthering the agenda of the PC
government. This is shameful and the students and teachers of our region
will be the people who will continue to suffer.
"While I have little faith that Naida Borden will speak up on behalf of
the students of our region, I am hopeful that government will re-evaluate
this decision before bringing forth their next budget. Without teachers in
the classroom, learning opportunities for our young people will certainly be
reduced."
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