FREDERICTON – A new policy on the books in New Brunswick regarding schools with low enrolment isn’t sitting well with teachers.
Under a revised Policy 409, schools with fewer than 100 students will be “automatically triggered” for a sustainability study and review by the District Education Council. A review can also occur if a school’s enrolment is below 30 per cent of its capacity. The new changes put 42 schools under fire.
Education Minister Serge Rousselle signed the policy into effect Friday morning. He said it’s a way to make decisions about school closures more equitable.
The changes are taking many by surprise, including the New Brunswick Teachers Association, which says the Liberal government had previously assured it that any changes would happen in consultation with teachers.
“If we’re looking at cutting, I see that as a negative impact on our students, which flies in the face of what Brian Gallant said previously to the teachers,” said Peter Fullerton, president of the NBTA. “This is not about protecting teachers, this is about protecting the quality of education for all students.”
Fullerton, along with opposition Progressive Conservative MLAs, said the policy unfairly targets rural schools.
“I would believe that being educated in your own community would be of highest priority,” Fullerton said. “When you take school out in some of the small rural communities, that is the heart of the community that will be disappearing.”
Education critic Gary Crossman said there are options for the schools that the government is not considering.
“I’d say re-purpose, somehow fill that building, whether it’s with youth or preschool or seniors,” he said.
The council has until May to produce its reports for the minister. Any changes will go into effect for the 2016 school year.
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