SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION DATE SET AND EDUCATION PANEL NAMED

Today Learning Minister Andrew Thomson provided an update on the progress of the Education Equity Initiative by announcing the election date for the 12 restructured school divisions and establishing a panel to recommend a framework for local accountability and community involvement in schools.

These are two key developments in the Government's Education Equity Initiative, which is a three-phased approach including restructuring school divisions, improving our system of school operating grants and determining a long-term solution to education property taxes.

Voters will be going to the polls on June 15th, 2005. The election will determine who will sit on the boards of education for the 12 new restructured school divisions, as well as several separate boards that are voluntarily amalgamating. The new boards go into effect on Jan. 1st, 2006. Other school divisions that are not restructuring will hold elections in October of 2006 as part of the regular municipal election cycle.

"It is very important that people participate in this election both by standing for office and voting for whom they feel will best represent them," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said.

To achieve the full benefits of restructuring, new accountability mechanisms at the local level will be developed to ensure that community and parent input is heard and help shape the direction of our education system. The Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel has been formed to develop a policy paper recommending that framework.

Craig Melvin has been appointed to chair the Panel and is joined by two other well-respected members of the education community, Shirley Gange and Gary Shaddock.

"This panel is well balanced in terms of their experience in dealing with the school systems as teachers, administrators and trustees." Thomson said. "There is little doubt that they bring a wealth of experience and perspective to this file, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations this spring."

The recommendations of the Panel will be presented to the Minister by May 31st, 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609	Ardith Stephanson Saskatchewan School Boards Association Regina Phone: (306)569-0750 Email: ext. 142
Craig Melvin Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel Regina Phone: (306)529-3742