The leader of Nova Scotia’s official opposition feels government wasted three years of negotiating time with teachers.
Jamie Baillie says the province only offered the the new Council to Improve Classroom Conditions after negotiations broke down and they had no other choice.
“Something good did come out of that mess, and that is that everyone in Nova Scotia is now focused on the reality of today’s classrooms. That’s a good thing. But it’s only a good thing if we take action.”
Baillie has been holding town halls across the province to discuss education concerns.
He says he’s hearing a number of good ideas that wouldn’t cost much and could be implemented right away.
Baillie also has ideas for more long-term fixes.
“More educational assistance for struggling kids. Real,hard caps on the size of our classes. Those are two things that I would take the $20 million dollars that’s been allocated to this committee and spend it on right now.”
Baillie hopes the new council will find ways to improve classroom conditions but feels government squandered three years they could have been addressing classroom issues.
