"Now that there is a new school board in place for the Avalon region, I am asking them to reconsider the decision to close St. Joseph’s school this year," said Mr. Sweeney. "Recently, the former Avalon East School Board was presented with a similar situation to close St. Michael’s school in St. John’s. It was decided at that time that the board would postpone the decision to close the school until further study was undertaken to examine the impact on parents and students in the area. I am asking the new politically appointed chair of the school board, Mr. Bruce Peckford, to give St. Joseph’s in Carbonear similar treatment.

"While a recent court decision permits St. Joseph’s school to close, we are only days away from the beginning of this school year. Transferring students to other area schools at this time would be a rushed process and a major inconvenience for parents and students. In addition, Persalvic Elementary in Victoria will not be opening in September because of air quality problems. The students of this school will also have to be accommodated at other area schools that are not prepared to handle the increased number of students. I suggest that Mr. Peckford delay the decision to close St. Joseph’s to relieve the pressure on the school system in the area. This would permit a more detailed analysis to be undertaken to find out exactly what the longer-term impacts will be on student body in Conception Bay North.

"I call upon Mr. Peckford and the new school board to convene a meeting with the parents of St. Joseph’s school. If the school board met with the parents, I believe they would have a better understanding of their concerns. The school system in Conception Bay North is currently in disarray and provides another example of this government’s lack of concern for the education system in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Ottenheimer is not being up front with the people of the province if he maintains there will be no adverse impact on the education system as a result of his government’s cutbacks. The mess being created in Conception Bay North is just another sign of problems being created in the system. I hope the decision to close St. Joseph’s will be delayed before it is too late."