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Butler pleased with decision to replace
Coley's Point Primary, but presses to fast-track process
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Roland Butler, MHA for the District of Port de Grave and Opposition Liberal Critic for Education, says he is encouraged by the motion put forward by the Eastern School District which has proposed a new school for Coley=s Point, but is pressing that the new facility be completed as soon as possible. AI am very happy to see the board put forth a recommendation for a new school to eventually replace the problematic Coley=s Point Elementary,@ says Butler. AAt the same time, it is important that this structure be completed as soon as possible to address the serious problems with this facility.@ The Eastern School District laid out its priorities for proposed new school facilities at a meeting earlier this week. As a short-term measure to address the current concerns of inadequate spacing at the school, Coley=s Point Primary will serve as a Kindergarten to Grade Three school. The Grade Fours will be transferred to Amalgamated Academy in Bay Roberts. That school has been approved for an extension, which will include a new cafeteria, and this is also good news to the Liberal MHA. The Opposition member points out that he has been receiving a steady stream of emails and letters from concerned parents about the health and space concerns at the Coley=s Point school. AI cannot stress to the board how important it is that this primary school be replaced as immediately as possible. It would appear the board based its decision on information that did not include the whole picture. So, the situation is more serious than the board appreciates at this point. AI have spoken to the CEO of the Eastern School District, Dr. Darin King, to indicate the seriousness of this situation and he has committed to re-examine this issue in light of this new information. I will continue to be in contact with the Board; and I am hopeful that we can fast-track the process for the replacement of this school. AParents across this province are no longer tolerating sending their children to unhealthy schools that are over-crowded and have inadequate spaces to provide full instructional and cafeteria services. We have a growing population in the Bay Roberts area and they too deserve, as soon as possible, education facilities that are modern and safe.@ -30-
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