Government Increases School Board Budgets

In recognition of the increased costs associated primarily with special education supports in Island schools, Education Minister Chester Gillan says the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing a total budget increase of $1.2 million for the three Island school boards for the current school year.

"Government and our education partners are committed to assessing and addressing educational needs in the public school system," says Minister Gillan.

The increased funding is directed at items such as resource and special education teacher positions, teacher assistant positions, additional substitute time for site technology contacts in schools, occupational health and safety committees in each of the boards and funding to assist with school photocopying costs. School boards were advised of this increase before the start of the school year. This latest increase in school board budgets is in addition to increases announced during the budget address in March 2002. This means that government has increased the number of teaching positions at the boards despite declining student enrolments.

"The Government of Prince Edward Island places a high value on learning," says Minister Gillan. "This investment supports educators in providing high quality instruction to students with special learning needs. In addition, we are also recognizing the important role of educators who act as site technology contacts in our schools. The increase also recognizes the increased use and costs associated with photocopying of materials for Island classrooms."