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News
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Barrett disappointed schools still on the chopping block June 8, 2006
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Percy Barrett, MHA for the District of Bellevue, is disappointed that the
schools in English Harbour East and Grand Le Pierre have still not been
given a reprieve or delay from closing, as was granted with other schools at
a meeting held last night in St. John’s. "I am once again calling on the Minister of Education to get involved in this situation and prevent these school closures," said Mr. Barrett. "If the Eastern School District can delay the closure of other schools in the district, why can’t they do the same for students in English Harbour East and Grand Le Pierre until replacement schools are built or necessary upgrades to existing schools are completed?" If these closures take place students would be transported over treacherous roads from English Harbour East to Terrenceville, a distance of 38 kilometers, and from Grande Le Pierre to Terrenceville, a distance of 25 kilometers. "I have pointed out to the minister that these schools were designated as Necessarily Existent Schools by the previous administration in recognition of the special circumstances they face. I think the minister should intervene and provide the funds necessary so young students don’t have to travel such a distance over a road that is very treacherous during winter. "The minister should know that parents and residents are raising concerns that the decision of the school board was rushed and not well researched. There is a strong feeling that the school is a focal point of the community and these closures are seen as a threat to the very existence of the communities. This is a clear example of a case where government can do something to support rural areas of this province if they choose to be proactive." |
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