Education Minister Jeffrey E. Lantz announced today that three Island teachers have been granted sabbatical leave for the 2000-2001 school year.
"The recent provincial budget provided for these sabbatical leaves to be re-introduced," said Minister Lantz. "They provide our teachers with an opportunity to further their education careers and make a further contribution to the public school system when they return from their leave."
The following three teachers have been awarded sabbatical leave beginning September 2000: Tracy Ellsworth, a core French teacher at Fort Augustus School; Mike Oulton, vice-principal at Vernon River Consolidated School and Laura Cudmore, principal at Miscouche Consolidated School.
The last school year in which sabbatical leaves were granted was 1993-1994.
In order to receive sabbatical leave, a teacher must have taught in the public schools in Prince Edward Island for not less than seven years; taught in schools of the school board by which the teacher is presently employed for at least three of the previous years; and obtained the recommendation and written approval of the school board for the leave of absence. These teachers must commit to teaching a minimum of three years on the Island upon completion of their leave.
Teachers on sabbatical leave receive 60 per cent of their salary. The re-introduction of this leave program is estimated to cost $90,000.
"This investment in our public education system is vital to help ensure our teachers have an opportunity to pursue their education goals," said Minister Lantz.