MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) deplores the misleading comments made today by Francois Legault on school boards.
"School boards are the leanest government body in Quebec," said David D'Aoust, President of QESBA. "Our English school boards have been cutting over the last number of years all the while dealing with decreasing enrolments, budget cuts and vast territories. In fact, from 2006 to 2012 administrative staffing has increased less than one per cent to serve 100,000 students and 20,000 employees," D'Aoust added.
School boards have re-organized their administrative services, operational expenses and have actively searched for alternate revenue sources. New methods of communication have been put into place for example, video-conferencing to reduce travel expenses and to allow for active participation at a distance. Efficient budget planning has allowed for a proper analysis of vacant positions and proper research as to the necessity of such positions. Merging of services is an annual occurrence when examining these vacant positions all with the common goal of protecting services to the student.
Premier Pauline Marois and Education Minister Marie Malavoy announced the creation of a committee of experts last week to examine school board expenditures, governance and operations. Despite QESBA's insistence, it will not be represented on the committee. "QESBA has been hardly more impressed with the government's scant analysis and recognition of our efforts on behalf of students," D'Aoust concluded. "We trust, moving forward, that it will be more constructive and collaborative than the Leader of the Coalition avenir Quebec has been on this subject," D'Aoust concluded.
SOURCE: Quebec English School Boards Association
Kim Hamilton
Director of Communications and Special Projects
514-919-3894
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