School Boards Asked to Hold Off School Closure Reviews

Education Minister Jamie Muir has asked for a review of legislation covering the process for considering school closures in Nova Scotia, and he has requested that three school boards put their school reviews on hold until after that assessment is completed.

"Parents, municipal representatives and other community members have all expressed concern about the process currently used when considering permanent school closures, particularly in rural communities," Mr. Muir said today, March 29. "This review will tell us whether the mandated procedures for closing schools is the best one for students, the education system and communities."

The review will be conducted by Norma Kennedy, the former chair of the Halifax County-Bedford District School Board and the Halifax Regional School Board, and Mike MacDougall, former principal of Judique, Creignish Consolidated School. It will focus on the steps outlined in the Education Act and regulations for school review studies. The team will also consider how alternative uses of schools are factored in to final decisions.

The review team will meet with Mr. Muir and senior departmental staff next week to discuss additional details of the review and the terms of reference.

Mr. Muir said today that the team will consult with the public and receive written comments from school board members, administrators and members of the public throughout the province.

"Reviewing schools for possible permanent closure is a challenging task, fraught with emotion and fear of the unknown. School boards have done an excellent job working within the present guidelines," said Mr. Muir. "School closures will continue to be necessary. What we're announcing today is taking time to be sure the mandated process is the right process for our students, our education system and our communities."

The review is expected to be complete this summer.

The Cape Breton Victoria, Chignecto-Central and Halifax Regional school boards are currently considering permanent school closures.