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“Without appropriate administrative support staff, schools would stop functioning,” says Jessome.
Halifax (14 May 2012) - “Education is an investment in our future - not an expense," said Joan Jessome, President of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). "This is the wrong direction for the Board and government to be taking." The statement is a response to the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board (CCRSB) decision to cut 48.7 full-time or equivalent support staff positions.
“At this time, with the future of Nova Scotia looking so promising with “Ships Start Here”, we should be investing in our P-12 education - not cutting it, says Jessome. “We fear the effects of these cuts to front-line school support staff will be felt by students for years and will have far-reaching implications for the education system as a whole.”
“School support staff, including librarians, IT technologists, secretaries, clerks, and educational assistants are critical links in our education system,” says Joan Jessome.
“Librarians are needed more than ever in this digital age. They have the skills necessary to help students navigate the world-wide-web to find relevant, appropriate and accurate information that supports their classroom learning,” says Jessome. “They teach students how to gather and use information ethically, responsibly and safely.”
Educational assistants support students with special needs and create an atmosphere in which they can learn to the best of their abilities.
“Nova Scotia would be in the dark ages without the hard work and dedication of the IT staff who keep today’s technology and emerging technology working and in-line with the academic expectations of students and today’s curriculum."
“Without appropriate administrative support staff, schools would stop functioning,” says Jessome.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE