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Percy Barrett, MHA for the District of Bellevue, is calling on Education
Minister Joan Burke to intervene and ensure that Swift Current Academy
remains a K-12 school. In its recent restructuring report, the Eastern
School District proposed to bus Grade 7 to 12 students from Swift Current
Academy to Tricentia Academy in Arnold’s Cove for their schooling. After
taking the bus ride that children would have to use each day, parents have
confirmed that a one way trip to Arnold’s Cove would take approximately 1
hour and 45 minutes. This would force students to spend 3 and a half hours
on a school bus every day.
"The decision to bus students from Swift Current and surrounding
communities to Arnold’s Cove was not well-thought out," said Mr. Barrett.
"Would government ask parents in St. John’s to bus their children to Western
Bay every school day to receive their education? The thought of sending
children on a bus for 3 and a half hours a day is ludicrous and must be
reversed immediately.
"Today in the House of Assembly, Minister Burke refused to get involved
and overrule the school board. Even though the minister encouraged the
school board to shred their previous report and during a by-election the
premier overruled the central school board in closing a school in Bishop’s
Falls, government is washing their hands of this matter. Instead, it is left
to parents and students to fight their cause directly with the Eastern
School District.
"I am hoping that common sense will prevail in this matter. If the
Eastern School District looks at all of the facts that are presented to
them, I am confident that this decision will be overturned. I will be
watching this matter very carefully and ensuring that the concerns of the
people of Swift Current are addressed appropriately. Anything less than a
K-12 school at Swift Current Academy is unacceptable."
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