Released on July 3, 2008
The Government of Saskatchewan has met its commitment to develop a new school review process and criteria for Schools of Opportunity with the proclamation of the amendments to The Education Act, 1995 and The Education Regulations, 1986.
"Saskatchewan's economy and population are growing," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "These changes to legislation demonstrate that we understand how important schools are to rural communities where increased economic opportunities on the horizon have brought an optimism for the future."
To ensure the potential for future economic growth is considered before changes are made to a school, the new Schools of Opportunity designation will provide rural school divisions with financial support that will allow communities to demonstrate increased school enrolments over a maximum two year period.
The changes that were made law recently include:
• setting minimum provincial school review criteria on enrolment benchmarks and distance to the nearest schools;
• establishment of a school review committee with community representation;
• extending the timelines and clarifying school review process;
• outlining a funding formula for schools of opportunity.
"We have struck a balance with these amendments," Krawetz said. "The objective of the school review criteria is to balance delivering education as close to the students' community as possible, with the need to ensure a minimum number of students by grade so as not to place unreasonable expectations on teachers for maintaining education quality. Boards of education will continue to have the authority to close schools or discontinue grades."
Additional amendments to the Act and the regulations include an update to provisions identifying students with special needs and the removal of mandatory memberships for secretary-treasurers in the Saskatchewan Association of School Business Officials.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca