SCHOOL BOARDS REACT TO GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE EXERCISE
DARTMOUTH, NS, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - The Nova Scotia School Boards Association (NSSBA) is expressing shock and dismay on behalf of the province's eight school boards. Boards are reeling from financial figures given to boards on October 21 that are more than double original targets that had been provided.
School boards have been asked to participate in the Expenditure Measures Initiative (EMI) to assist the Province with the fiscal challenges as part of the Back to Balance program. Boards were asked to determine what the impact would be on their board, based on a $200 million cut to public education over three years. This represents a 22 per cent cut to P - 12 education funding over the next three years.
"School boards understand the very difficult financial situation facing Nova Scotia", said NSSBA President Vic Fleury. "Boards are willing to cooperate with the government to reduce the deficit; however the extent of these proposed cuts threatens to dismantle what have become essential support programs for our students."
At a recent meeting of school board leaders from across the province, the messages were clear. Boards will develop these impact scenarios as requested by the government; however they are concerned with the time that this EMI exercise is diverting from the task of education. Boards' primary goal is to sustain a quality of education delivery, including programs and services, to benefit students.
"Nova Scotia's greatest asset is our young people," said Fleury. "Public education must be seen as an investment. We need well-educated, employable graduates to ensure our future economic prosperity. Given that this government has branded Nova Scotia as the learning province, P - 12 education must be seen as a crucial component of this goal."
The NSSBA, founded in 1954, is the voice for Nova Scotia's eight school boards.
For further information: For further information:
Sharon Findlay-MacPhee, communications manager, NSSBA, (902) 491-2856 (o); (902) 221-6881(c)
Vic Fleury, president, NSSBA, (902) 491-2854 (o); (902) 765-8665 (h)
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