For immediate release
January 31, 2000

Ministry of Education announces
$40 million for Special Education

    The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is initially encouraged by several aspects of the Minister of Education's announcement regarding special education.
    The Ministry of Education intends to have common standards, across the province, for programs and services for special students. There is also to be increased co-ordination of services for high needs students across the three Ministries of Education, Health and Community Services. An increase of $40 million across the province, for special education will occur in the 2000/2001 school year.
    "At this time the Board is not sure of the full impact of the funding announcement," says Les Jewell, Superintendent of Instruction and Special Education. "This will become clearer over the next months as the Ministry provides specific details."
The common standards for programs and services are intended to support teachers, principals and parents in addressing the needs of exceptional students. Any additional monies will particularly help address the needs of students that are new to the Board as The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board already spends in excess of $1,000,000 beyond the Ministry's allocation for students in special education programs.

For more information contact:
Les Jewell, Superintendent of Instruction and Special Education
966-1170  ext. 2414