WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s new education minister wants to hear more from teachers, school principals, trustees and parents before drastically changing school board boundaries.
Earlier this year, a commission studying the boundaries recommended the number of school boards in the province be reduced to 21 from 57.
“While the government supports the concept of reducing the 57 divisions, this will have an effect on the education governance system and will require feedback from Manitobans,” said Linda McIntosh, in a press release.
The government has accepted some of the commission’s recommendations, including changes that:
- Allow students to have more choice in the schools they attend.
nEstablish school advisory councils composed of parents, community members, the principal, teachers, support staff and students.
Rural school boards were concerned about the proposed boundary changes. Most changes combined several districts into larger ones, sparking worries about administrative problems.
Interested parties should send comments to the School Division/Districts Boundaries Review Commission.
