PROVINCE ANNOUNCES EARLY 2005 BOARD ELECTIONS FOR NEW SCHOOL DIVISIONS

Learning Minister Andrew Thomson has announced the province's intention to hold board of education elections in early 2005 for the 12 new restructured school divisions. He made this announcement at the Saskatchewan School Boards Association annual convention in Regina.

"We have decided that the transition from our current board configuration to the new boards should be managed by fully elected, fully accountable boards," Thomson said. "The advice I received indicates the need to have elected boards of education that are fully accountable and have the same powers and authority of our current boards. This will provide leadership as the new school division boundaries are put into effect."

Today, legislation is being introduced that will allow trustees elected to the newly amalgamated divisions in 2005 to remain in office until the scheduled elections in October 2009.

On November 12th, Thomson accepted the recommendations of the Education Equity Task Force and released the map of the new boundaries that will see the number of school divisions in Saskatchewan reduced from 81 to 34 by January, 2006. The board of education members for the new school divisions will hold an initial term of four years with elections being held again in 2009 for all boards of education to bring the new school division boards in line with all others in the province.

"There is a lot of work to be done by January of 2006," Thomson said. "Implementation is a big responsibility and will require strong leadership. I encourage existing board members to run in the elections as their experience and knowledge will be invaluable during this period of significant change."

For more information on the progress of the province's Education Equity Initiative, please visit Saskatchewan Learning's website at www.sasklearning.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609