A former member of the PC caucus is warning about serious dangers in the school system’s staffing levels, including in his own district.
The principal of Peacock Primary in Happy Valley-Goose Bay announced earlier this month that she was stepping down, citing “high levels of understaffing and increased demands on the education system.”
The Independent MHA for Lake Melville, Keith Russell, says fears about classroom safety have raised concerns among parents, including families looking to move to Labrador.
He says the school lacks a serious number of teachers and support staff.
Peacock Primary in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (Google Maps)
“When it comes to the student assistants, we have a dire need for that. We have multiple children being watched by the same individuals when some of these need one-on-one care,” he said on the floor of the House of Assembly.
“We’re at a breaking point, same as with the hospital. She’s about to blow; we want to know what’s coming. We’re not seeing any hope in sight, Mr. Speaker. We’ve got a level of danger now that’s coming into the schools.”
Education Minister Paul Dinn (VOCM News)
Education Minister Paul Dinn says the solution to safety in the classroom will not happen overnight.
“I can’t disagree with him there. There are issues across our schools and my visit to Labrador last week, although I was aware of some of the issues, is certainly of huge value when you’re able to sit and talk with those teachers and those administrators who are on the front line.”
