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Butler calls on government to implement a
school reconstruction program
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Roland Butler, MHA for the District of Port De Grave and Opposition Critic for Education, says that with increasing revenues from Voisey=s Bay and other resource sectors, the time is right to announce a new school replacement program. "As we celebrate Education Week, it would be a tangible move by government to show their hand when it comes to school replacement or maintenance,@ said Mr. Butler. ASo far, the people of the province haven=t seen "value for money" and a program like this would certainly be practical and beneficial.@ The Liberal MHA says one area that could use a new high school is St. John=s West. AIt may have been justified in the past to close schools, but with the rapid expansion of the west end areas of the city, there is now a greater need for a new school. This area of the city has been without a high school for four years. The money government would save from bussing would contribute hugely to new school construction and maintenance. "Further, we also need to see a new elementary school for the northeast end of the city, particularly close to the Virginia Park area. This would service a rapidly growing population area of the city. The people of Paradise need a new school as well to not only absorb a growing population, but to promote growth of the area. Towns such as Paradise need spaces to grow their population base to show that they in turn are sustainable. In my own district, parents and staff have grave health and overcrowding concerns about Cooley=s Point Elementary. AI encourage all board members of the Eastern School District to vote for new school facilities at both Paradise and Coley=s Point as they meet this evening. With the rural to urban shift creating larger communities, it is important to be ahead of the game and create strategic and state-of- the-art centers for learning. Certainly a positive vote for the facility in Paradise tonight would be a great first step in that process. "Government not only needs to create a school replacement program, but to also implement a comprehensive review of maintenance problems, specifically as it relates to potential existence of toxic mould and buildings that are in disrepair. It is time for this government to get smart and ensure our educational structures are up to the task of strategically meeting the needs of growing communities that demand healthy and modern learning environments.@ - 30 -
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