CHAPLIN RECEIVES SCHOOL OF OPPORTUNITY STATUS

Chaplin School in the Prairie South School Division is being declared the first School of Opportunity in Saskatchewan. The School of Opportunity designation was created last year to ensure that the potential for future economic growth is considered before changes are made to a school. The application for the designation is considered only after a Board of Education makes a final motion to close a school.

"Chaplin has the potential for economic growth based on its strategic positioning and the plans of its current industries," Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "Based on a thorough review of the application, I approve Chaplin School as a Kindergarten to Grade Eight School of Opportunity, which will give Chaplin a chance to take advantage of these economic opportunities."

The two greatest economic growth opportunities in the Chaplin area include:

• the continued growth in the organic food industry to support the key anchor enterprise of Chaplin Grain; and
• the prospects for expansion of Saskatchewan Minerals and its related new product development of sodium bicarbonate to assist with the growth and demand for clean coal technologies.

This designation will provide the community with an opportunity to meet the guidelines as described in the School Review Handbook and Education Regulations. The guidelines outline that a minimum enrolment of 51 students must be realized in three years for a kindergarten to grade eight school to remain open.

Another application for Schools of Opportunity status from the community of Morse was not approved. The minister visited the school and reviewed reports on the school facility from Figley Consulting Associates Ltd. and Pattison MGM Architectural Services Ltd.

"Allowing students to continue beyond the end of this school year may present a concern for their health and safety," Krawetz said.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca