Co-operation and collaboration between the Eastern School District and the PEI Department of Education will ensure action on many of the findings of the Educational Quality and Support Services Review Committees.
Nine months in the making, the reports released earlier today demonstrate the need for a collective approach to establishing a long-range plan. "We are happy with the outstanding effort, and we especially value the hands-on involvement of community organizations, municipalities, Home and School, high school students, classroom teachers and support staff members," says Honorable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "In recent months, the Department has had discussions with the Board and with parent groups working on some of the priorities identified by each of the family of schools. Now that we have actual data, I believe it is crucial that we devise a plan of action on some of the recommendations within the next few weeks."
Among the recommendations of the Educational Quality and Support Services Review Committees, common themes revolved around preventative maintenance for buses and buildings, dual zoning, overlapping bus routes, staffing, mobility of principals, common core curriculum, special needs, as well as the need to capitalize on community business expertise.
Deputy Minister of Education, Elaine Noonan noted that the reports were made possible through the voluntary efforts of students, staff, and concerned citizens and they deserve a special thanks. "Many individuals have contributed valuable information during this process. The Minister and I have been visiting schools across the Province and we have heard, first-hand, the issues and concerns raised," says Deputy Noonan.
Minister Gillan says the collaborative efforts of the past involving the Eastern School District and the Department of Education are indicative of the approach we will be taking regarding the findings. "There is a need for long-term planning. I would like to see a three-year plan in place as soon as possible. Through the efforts of the Board and the provincial government, we should be in a position to move on many of the recommendations in a prudent and efficient manner." The Minister also pointed out that a balance between expectations and realities must be taken into consideration.
The Educational Quality and Support Services Review Committees were established earlier this year through the lead of the Eastern School District. Each of the six families of schools in the district was represented by a committee.