NNDSB Trustee poll shows 60% favour one school board

During his recent municipal election campaign Near North District School Board Trustee David Thompson reached out to parents with a number of questions and surveys to get their pulse on a number of issues they see as priority for the next term.

Thompson has released the following results of the two surveys that were online at www.localschoolissues.com .

“This is no surprise that nearly 60% see one school board as the main education issue. Most taxpayers are very vocal about reducing the number of publicly funded school boards,” states Thompson.

There were 189 respondents to the first of the two surveys asking to identify what is most important issue to them.

- There should be one school board = 58%

- Mental Health Issues need to be addressed in our schools = 15%

- I am concerned about more school closures = 12%

- There needs to be improvement with Student Bussing = 7%

- There is too much parent student fundraising for school related items = 6%

The second survey asked the 171 respondents to pick one classroom issue most important to them.

- There should be compulsory health and physical education = 32%

- The current Curriculum needs more reforms = 32%

-Special Education funding is inadequate = 16%

- There should be more technology in the classrooms = 15%

- There should be more compulsory arts and music programs = 11%

“Interestingly 32% want to see compulsory Health and Physical Education in our schools and that the current curriculum be reviewed,” said Thompson.

“Compulsory Health and Physical Education is a major concern as many studies have proven the benefits for our youth.”

He adds that both issues need to be addressed by the Provincial Government with input from the Near North board.

“It will be interesting to see if one school board will become a Provincial election issue next year. I have not heard any of the main stream political parties touch this one with a 10 foot pole,” quipped Thompson.