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Roland Butler, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port
de Grave, says recent criticisms of the education system point to
government’s lack of investment in educational resources in the classrooms
of this province.
"Since this government came to power, school boards have been mega-sized,
resources have been cut and almost 500 teachers were laid off," said Mr.
Butler. "Media stories that schools are being forced to take money from
educational spending to pay for a government recycling program are just
another sign of government mandating policy without providing sufficient
funding. Without public attention, this issue and many others would go
unnoticed and add to the stress facing teachers. This is simply not
acceptable and shows the root problems we are now witnessing in the
classrooms across this province.
"The Eastern School District and their CEO, defeated Tory candidate Darin
King, are trying to cover-up these problems and pretend that government
cutbacks are not having an impact. They are so sensitive about this issue
that they have begun suspending teachers for speaking publicly. This will do
nothing to improve the lack of resources being experienced at the classroom
level.
"Cutbacks, layoffs and downsizing are also leading to other problems.
Many schools in the Eastern School District are on the chopping block as the
board analyzes a consultant’s report. There are not enough teachers to
maintain a healthy learning environment and government refuses to make a
proper investment to ensure the necessary resources are in place to promote
effective learning. As a result, some neighbourhood schools may close,
others may be downsized to accommodate fewer students. This is happening
while government has a budget surplus, but is refusing to invest these
dollars into providing a proper education system that promotes equality no
matter where a student lives in the province. This is another example of
this government’s lack of commitment to the needs of the people of this
province.
"It is not the teachers who are to blame for these problems, it is the
school board and the government. Until people like Darin King, Joan Burke
and Danny Williams wake up to these realities, I suspect our education
system will continue to deteriorate. The only choice available to teachers
will be to watch our education system decline or make a personal sacrifice,
including their paycheck, to have the issues addressed appropriately.
Unfortunately, the victims at the end of the day will continue to be the
students."
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