Liberal Opposition Members of the House of Assembly are hearing from concerned parents, educators and school administrators about the serious impacts the Conservative government’s proposal to change school start and end times could have on students, families, and the broader school community.
A memo sent to parents last week suggested the focus of the proposed changes was achieving the most effective and efficient use of busing resources. Later, in media interviews, Minister of Transportation Barry Petten said clearly that this was a cost-saving initiative.
“It is extremely disappointing that the Conservative government would be looking for savings at the expense of students’ learning experience,” says Education Critic Paul Pike. “We have to wonder how thoroughly this was thought through.”
Earlier start times for some of our youngest learners, longer days for students who rely on afterschool programming, and additional pressures on families and school staff could have serious consequences on the well-being of our children and the overall learning environment.
“At a time when educators in the K-12 system are asking for more support in the classroom, and were ignored in the recent Budget, I’m calling on the Ministers to carefully consider the feedback they receive from the school community,” says Opposition leader John Hogan. “Parents and educators know what’s best for our students and what supports a positive learning environment.”
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