THUNDER BAY The union representing 170 education workers at the Lakehead Board of Education expressed shock and outrage at the suggestion that two thirds of area schools be closed, as recommended in a report commissioned by the board.
Our members will join other community activists and parents to fight this attack on education in our communities, says Rod McGee, president of Local 2486 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
CUPE has learned the report, prepared for the school board by an outside consultant, recommends closing two-thirds of the boards 36 schools by 2017. At first blush, it looks like whoever prepared this report doesnt believe in the future of our communities or the quality of education we offer our young residents, says McGee.
McGee will meet with other union leaders to plan the next steps in fighting the closures. CUPE will further study the report to determine the best course of action.
Coming on the heels of the provincial governments announced intention to cap some class sizes at 20, this would definitely be a step in the wrong direction, says McGee. Do we really want a future with children in portables all over the place because a consultant decided our communities and our children dont need real schools?
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For further information, please contact:
Rod McGee, President, CUPE Local 2486
807-627-9747
Dan Pike, CUPE National Rep.
807-345-1731
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications Rep.
416-292-3999