Alarmed by the huge cuts to rural school funding, Meaford plans to petition Queens Park to replace its funding formula with one that’s fairer for all schools.
Monday, Meaford’s committee of the whole voted unanimously to approve Councillor Mike Poetker’s motion about funding for schools. Poetker’s motion calls for Meaford to petition the Ministry of Education to scrap its per-capita funding formula for Ontario’s rural schools.
In his resolution, Poetker said the per capita funding formula may be adequate for urban schools but it’s out-of-date for rural areas with declining populations.
Poetker warned council the provincial government’s failure to address disproportionate funding will continue to result in educational program shortfalls. It will also result in the continuing exodus of students from the public school system.
“The lack of funding for rural schools,” Poetker said, “has also resulted in many situations in eliminating trade and technical programs.”
“As a result, employers in rural areas are witnessing a decline in the availability of high school graduates with skilled trades.”
Copies of Poetker’s resolution will be sent to the Minister of Education, the chair of the Bluewater School Board and MPP Bill Walker. Copies will also go to other municipalities in Grey and Bruce counties.