REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) joined representatives of the Save Our Schools group, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) in a meeting with Learning Minister Deb Higgins to express concern surrounding rural school closures.

During the meeting, CTF Saskatchewan director David MacLean raised concerns about rising school taxes, the failure of forced amalgamation to produce efficiencies and reduce taxes, as well as the lack of emphasis placed on providing communities with options to school closures.

MacLean suggested new rules to allow rural taxpayers the option of supporting local private or charter schools with their school tax dollars.

"One of the problems with the existing school board system is the system itself," said MacLean. "We see here today a groundswell of support from rural communities to keep their schools running. If local taxpayers are given a legitimate choice there's a chance that some of these rural schools can be saved."

"As it stands, rural residents are facing high and steadily-rising rates of taxation and seeing service levels substantially reduced," added MacLean.

"The province should give taxpayers the choice to choose who to support with their school tax dollars - the amalgamated school board or the local school of their choice. A perfectly sensible system is already in place with taxpayers choosing between the public and separate systems. It's not a stretch to extend that choice to local private or charter schools."