Minister Encourages Group to Leave School

The students at Judique-Creignish Consolidated must be allowed to return to school, Education and Culture Minister Wayne Gaudet said today. A group of parents and community members has been barricaded inside the school since Monday. Mr. Gaudet is going to the school today to encourage them to leave now, and let students return to classes so their school year is not threatened.

"The Strait Regional School Board consulted with its communities and made decisions they believe are in the best interests of the children," Mr. Gaudet said. "Our government supports local decision-making, and we are not prepared to interfere with our elected school boards, even when they make tough decisions.

"I want to deliver that message clearly, in person, to the group in the school," Mr. Gaudet said. "I hope they will understand that government's position will not change, and that it is in the best interests of the students to allow them back in school."

Approximately 260 students currently attend Judique-Creignish Consolidated in grades Primary-12. Enrolments are projected to drop significantly over the next several years. This year, there are seven Primary Grade and nine Grade 1 students. Primary enrolments are projected to continue within this range, and as students in the higher grades leave school, overall enrolments will continue to drop -- a major reason for the board's decision to close the school.

School board officials continue to talk with people occupying the school, urging them to leave. Should they refuse, the school board is looking at other options to enable students to return to classes, possibly at other locations.

"The board is developing a plan that will get students back in school," Mr. Gaudet said. "I would like to see that happen sooner rather than later -- that's why I want to talk to the people in the school."