For immediate release
October 16, 2000

School facilities surveyed by Ministry

         As directed by the Ministry of Education, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has circulated a School Facilities Survey to all 56 schools in the district. The survey is one component of the Ministry's accountability framework for pupil accommodation. Its purpose is to get an indication of the level of satisfaction with the overall cleanliness, condition, comfort, and safety of each school in Ontario. The questions ask for perceptions from the principal, teachers, non-teaching staff, students and the School Council.
         "The Ministry's School Facilities Survey is new this fall," says Don Tregenza, Controller of Plant at the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. "The results will provide the Ministry with a benchmark for improving school facilities, identifying best practices, and assessing the big picture province-wide."
         "This is not a performance evaluation for individuals in the school," stresses Tregenza. "The survey recognizes that all groups within the school community collectively have an impact on the school environment.  In addition to school cleanliness and condition, the survey asks for a rating of the level of teamwork and collaboration within a school since this can influence perceptions. I believe the results will confirm that staff care about keeping our schools looking their best."
         The survey is to be completed by November 15, 2000 and submitted electronically to the Ministry of Education. Province-wide results are expected to be available early in 2001.
 

For information contact:
Don Tregenza, Controller of Plant, 966-9491 ext. 2250