The provincial government is backtracking on its plan to reduce the number of school boards in Quebec.
Education Minister Francois Blais made the announcement Wednesday morning at the National Assembly.
Blais said the proposal that has been floated ever since the Liberals were elected last year would actually end up costing more money.
The Liberals had wanted to cut the number of boards from 72 to 46, based in part on a report from the 1990s that showed it could save $100 million.
However a fresh look at the issue showed Quebec would have to spend an additional $70 million each year.
Blais still hopes to reduce costs by sharing services among boards.
He also said he still plans to abolish school board elections because of the lack of voter participation.
