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Opposition fears community group fees for use of schools
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Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, Roland Butler, is calling on government to get involved and prevent the Director of the Eastern School District Darin King from charging excessive fees to community groups that wish to use schools for after-hour activities. "When pressed on the issue, this government talks a great deal about healthy schools and the importance of fitness in schools; yet, the Director of the Eastern School District is moving forward with plans to charge fees for non‑profit, after‑school youth sports programs,@ says Butler. A It is time the minister made government=s position clear on the imposition of these fees. It is time government stood strong to promote the use of schools as community resources, rather than trying to take even more money out of taxpayers pockets.@ The Liberal MHA says this is yet another example of how the Conservative government is giving with one hand, while clawing money back with the other. "In the same school year, school fees were eliminated, and now it is reported that they are allowing school boards to impose new fees. It shows the slippery nature of this government and the underhanded play they engage in with the people of this province. "I have seen reports that the local soccer association in Conception Bay South already pays between $8,000‑$10,000 annually for field rentals on school property. If Darin King gets his way, all groups will be charged more. These fees are excessive and unnecessary, especially given the beneficial nature of the activities and the groups and the volunteers involved." The Liberal Critic says schools are public buildings and they should be treated as community resources. Other provinces such as Ontario are being more progressive and coming forward with funds to encourage the use of schools by the community. A I call on the education minister to become involved in this issue and do the right thing . She should enlighten Darin King that charging excessive fees discourages sports activities which will impact negatively on student=s fitness levels. The minister should in fact direct him to open schools up to the community, as is the appropriate thing to do."
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