(St. John's, NL) Mr. Milton Peach, Chair, Eastern School Board, today announced the appointment of Mr. Ford Rice as the interim CEO/Director of Education for the Eastern School District, effective immediately. Mr. Rice replaces Mr. Darrin Pike who is the new Deputy Minister for the Department of Education.

 

Mr. Darrin Pike, C.E.O./Director of Education, advises that Brother Rice Junior High will remain closed for approximately one month to allow for a thorough cleaning of the school following Tuesday¿s fire.  A section of the main floor was badly damaged by the fire and the entire school received extensive smoke damage.

Contractors have begun the cleaning and ventilation process.  The building will not reopen for students and teachers until all cleaning and inspections are carried out.

Senior staff are now working on a plan to temporarily relocate the approximately 400 students. Details on a relocation plan and the distribution of students' personal belongings will be announced by Friday, April 24, 2009.

"Our priority right now is to have students relocated and back in a school setting as soon as possible to continue their programming," says Pike. "Our team will be exploring all options and we will share the plan as soon as details are finalized."

The Eastern School Board is applauding the Provincial Government's funding announcement of approximately $70 million that is targeted for major school projects in the Eastern School District. "The Board is extremely pleased that the Provincial Government has approved this funding for some of our top priorities," says Milton Peach, Chair, Eastern School Board. "This funding will allow us to continue to address, in a significant manner, aging infrastructure and capacity issues that were identified through the Board's public consultations and multi-year planning process."

 

On Sunday, February 17, 2008 it was discovered that four laptop computers were stolen from the Eastern School District's Atlantic Place offices. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was contacted immediately and they are currently investigating this incident as a Break, Entry and Theft.

As part of the District's internal investigation, it was discovered that one of the stolen computers contains an electronic database of bussing information regarding approximately 28,000 students. This information includes student names, MCP numbers, addresses, grade levels, phone numbers and names of parents/guardians. Please see attachment below.

 

Mr. Milton Peach, Chair, Eastern School Board, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darrin Pike as the new CEO/Director of Education for the Eastern School District.  Mr. Pike has been the acting CEO since August 1, 2007. His appointment is effective immediately.

 

The Eastern School District's Phase II Draft Multi-Year School Organization and Capital Works Plan for St. John's area schools is scheduled for release at a public school board meeting being held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the District Conference Centre in St. John's. (See attachment for more information.)

 

The community of Paradise is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. To accommodate its future growth and development, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced today significant investments to build a new K-6 school, as well as renovate and extend Holy Family Elementary. This is in addition to a new school to replace Paradise Elementary which was announced in August.

 

Mr. Milton Peach, Chair, Eastern School Board, today announced that Dr. Darin King, CEO/Director of Education, has informed the Board he intends to resign from his position upon being sworn in as the official MHA of Grand Bank District. Dr. King had been granted an unpaid leave of absence until October 9, 2007 to run for office in the recent provincial election and this leave has been extended.

"Dr. King has demonstrated an unfailing commitment and dedication to public education in this district, and to the province," says Peach. 'He has made tremendous contributions to the Eastern School District and was instrumental in successfully bringing four former school boards together when they amalgamated in 2004. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Dr. King for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours."

The Board will now begin the recruitment process for a new CEO. In the meantime, Mr. Darrin Pike will continue in his role as acting CEO/Director of Education.

 

Schools throughout the Eastern School District will be making an extra effort to help students and staff adopt healthier lifestyles when they celebrate Living Healthy Commotions Day on Friday, September 28th. The second annual event celebrates wellness programs in schools and promotes the benefits of healthy eating, physical activity and staying smoke free. All Eastern School District offices will also be holding their own Living Healthy Commotion as staff try to "practice what they preach" and be healthy role models.

 

(July 27, 2007, St. John's, NL) Today, Mr. Milton Peach, Chair, Eastern School Board, announced on behalf of the Board of Trustees that Dr. Darin King, CEO/Director of Education has been granted a leave of absence until October 9, 2007 to allow him an opportunity to become a candidate in the upcoming provincial election.

"The Board felt it was appropriate at this time to grant a leave of absence. It leaves the door open for Dr. King's return should his political attempt be unsuccessful," says Peach. "This action is consistent with a practice that was previously followed by a school district in this province."

Effective immediately, the Board has announced the appointment of Mr. Darrin Pike as acting CEO/Director of Education. Mr. Pike is currently the Assistant Director of Education (Programs) and has vast leadership experience at the school, district and provincial government levels.

The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that the education needs of students in the Eastern School District will continue to be its first priority.