Communities from across the province gathered in Regina Tuesday to try and find some help for their schools.

 

Members from the Save Our Schools lobby group left the Province's Capital Tuesday without answers.

The rally held on the steps of the Legislature in Regina heard from members of the lobby group, students, concerned citizens, and elected officials.

Minister of Learning Deb Higgins spoke to the crowd saying the government has provided 200-million dollars over the past 10 years and declining enrollment in rural schools is a big player in the reviews. "That money that results, the room that results in the enrollment decline is put back into the Foundation Operating Grant to further support the students and schools in the system."

But that did little to quell the storm as a very emotional supporter fired right back. "Riding the bus for three hours is not the best for any kid!"

Signs carried by picketers touched on several topics like the long bus rides that could result from rural schools being shut down. Signs read "our taxes for our schools" and "the bus drivers will see our children longer than we will".

School supporters from across the province were at the rally including the folks trying to keep Ecole Ross School here in Moose Jaw from closing. Chad Novak has been very vocal here in Moose Jaw and is now accusing the school board of try to intimidate him into submission.

Novak was pleased with the turn out in Regina but says little, if anything was accomplished. "We're going to have to keep pressuring our MLA's to bring this to the forefront as an election issue. We know an election is going to happen and if we have enough people out there that tell these saying Saskatchewan schools and Saskatchewan future is number one we can do something about it."