GOVERNMENT DEVELOPS NEW SCHOOL REVIEW HANDBOOK FOR COMMUNITIES

The Government of Saskatchewan unveiled a new resource today to provide information to schools, communities and boards of education about the new school review process and the Schools of Opportunity initiative.

The handbook describes and suggests ways to address many of the practical matters associated with the school review process, drawing from the experience of school divisions as they have undertaken those reviews. It also describes Schools of Opportunity and outlines the process that may lead to designation as a School of Opportunity.

"With the significant changes the Government of Saskatchewan has made to the school review process and the introduction of the new Schools of Opportunity designation, we wanted to provide a resource that supports students, parents and school divisions," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said.

The amendments to The Education Act, 1995 outlining the new school review process and the Schools of Opportunity initiative were made law on June 27, 2008.

Changes that were made law recently include:

• setting minimum provincial school review criteria based on enrolments and distance to the nearest schools;
• establishment of a school review committee with community representation;
• extending the timelines and clarifying the school review process; and
• outlining the criteria and process for designating Schools of Opportunity.

When a board of education passes a final motion to close a school in a school district, that school becomes eligible for consideration as a School of Opportunity. The new Schools of Opportunity designation provides the school division with financial support to allow the school to remain open to provide the community up to two years to demonstrate increased school enrolments so that the school again becomes viable. This will ensure the potential for future economic growth has been fully considered before changes are made to a school.

The new school review handbook is available on the Ministry of Education's website at www.education.gov.sk.ca/.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca