The Manitoba government wants school divisions to amalgamate to save money, but it won’t force them.
Instead, the education and training minister has promised a grant of up to $50 per student and a two-year phase-in period for mill rates to divisions that choose to amalgamate.
“Our government supports the concept of fewer divisions, but we also believe the best way to achieve greater effectiveness is through local involvement and decision-making,” said Linda McIntosh.
The grant will help pay for feasibility studies, reorganization and technology upgrades.
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In a news release, McIntosh said a number of school boards have said they’re interested in combining their services. They will first have to submit plans to the government for approval.
Many school divisions were displeased with the government’s initial look at amalgamation, released in a report in March 1995.
The Boundaries Review Commission recommended the current 57 divisions combine into 21 over three years to save about $4.5 million per year.
Some divisions serve fewer than 1,000 students. The commission said larger boards would serve about 5,000.
Most school boards appearing before the commission said they didn’t want to change. They said the proposed boundaries would make school divisions too unwieldy because of long distances.
Effect on community
They were concerned about representation, mill rates and the effect of losing division offices in small communities. And some said the changes wouldn’t save much money.
McIntosh said amalgamation would help students get better schooling because of more sharing of equipment, facilities and expertise.
