Education Minister Meets with Boards of Directors of Teachers’ Associations

Education Minister Claude Williams met this week with the boards of directors of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association and the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick to discuss various topics, including the 2006-07 provincial budget.

“I am very satisfied with the meetings with the two professional teachers’ associations,” Williams said. “I am especially pleased with their reaction to the provincial budget measures relating to education.”

The 2006-07 budget for the school system is $893 million, an increase of $37.5 million, or 4.4 per cent, in relation to the previous budget. It provides for the addition of 240 teachers in September 2006; a reduction in the maximum class size - including combined classes - by a minimum of four students over the next four school years; $5 million for initiatives related to classroom composition; a salary increase for supply teachers; and an expansion of the notebook computer project.

“The decision to offer the 7,500 teachers a notebook computer was well received by both associations,” Williams said. “We are very pleased to provide this working tool to teachers.”

Williams took advantage of the meetings with the two associations to also discuss the report on inclusive education.

“I repeated the commitment to act on the report on inclusive education, and explained the three-step process for following up on the report’s recommendations,” Williams said. “I look forward to working together with the teachers of New Brunswick and stakeholders as we enhance the delivery of education services to students.”