Saskatchewan Schools.

Regina -- Sharing facilities between Catholic and public schools is often touted as a money-saving gambit for Canadian provinces which finance the two systems. Sharing of gymnasiums and libraries, it was thought, would save money.

After several experiments involving schools in Regina, Saskatoon, and Yorkton, cost analysis by the school boards has not shown much financial benefit. In fact, they end up with smaller facilities where it is more difficult to maintain a Catholic identity. In Yorkton, for example, school Masses are celebrated in the gym-but the liturgy is often interrupted by members of the public school walking through and talking.

Today "stand-alone" facilities are much preferred by Saskatchewan educators. Meanwhile, concerns of efficiency and finance are more likely to be addressed through the amalgamation of several Catholic divisions. By the fall of 2003, the number of divisions will have fallen to 13 (from 21). The general opinion among educators is that this will result in a strengthening of the Catholic community.