Bluewater District School Board is encouraged by this week's announcement from the Ministry of Education that the provincial government is taking steps to improve the quality and delivery of rural education.
The plan is based on feedback received this spring by the ministry through a series of regional consultation sessions held throughout the province, and an online survey on Ontario's Rural Education Strategy. Highlights of the plan include a review of the ministry's Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline, and increased rural funding to support programming, broadband speed, and co-operation between school boards, which may include joint-use opportunities for school facilities.
Bluewater District School Board trustees and Director of Education Alana Murray joined a number of municipal and community representatives to provide feedback at the regional consultation session held on May 25, 2017 in Markdale. A number of ideas were shared by participants on ways to best support rural and remote communities to ensure that students have access to a full range of learning opportunities. A well-attended session for members of the public was also held later in the evening.
"It is reassuring that a number of the recommendations made by our trustees and director at the regional consultation session are reflected in the provincial plan. Some of the items we brought forward included enhancements to discretionary funding, and rural infrastructure to support high speed internet for eLearning. We look forward to receiving further details so we can get a better sense of how the plan will impact our rural school communities in Bluewater," says Chair Ron Motz.
"We are encouraged by this week's news that the Province of Ontario is taking steps to address some of the unique challenges facing rural education. As we move forward, we will continue to honour our previous commitment by working closely with our community partners with a renewed sense of optimism that viable solutions can be found to support and strengthen our rural schools," says Director of Education Alana Murray.
