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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1976, PAGE 9 More school board candidates join election race It looks like there will be a real race for the two Whitby seats on the Durham Board of Education in the December 6 election. Mel Pelt, a -esident of West Lynde for the past two years, who teaches history at Downs- view Secondary School in Toronto, declared his candi- dacy last week, stating he felt he had an obligation to play a part in Whitby and not be just a commuter. "As a teacher and parent, I firmly believe we must return to a basic core program of subjects in all our schools", says Mr. Pelt. "A student today can, for example, take photography on the grade 13 level and receive the same credit as a student who takes math in grade 13". "Although a vast portiori of our tax dollar goes toward education, how many people know what the Durham Board of Education is doing or what its policies are?" asks Mr. Pelt. "As a result of regional government, the education process has become remote and we in turn have become apathetic'. Mr. Pelt says he has re- quested the Whitby Public Library to acquire the minutes and proceedings of the board of education, advocates more extensive newspaper coverage of board meetings, and intends to in- form the people of educational matters through newsletters and newspaper articles, if elected. Mr. Pelt says building small schools in new subdi- visions saves money- in the short run, but in the long run, they cost more money because portable classrooms have to be added, and at a later date, additions have tobe made to the schools. "Because of inflation these additions will be far more costly than a school which was built with rooms for the future", he says. "'Any vacant rooms can be used for day care centres". Mr. Pelt also says he will investigate ways to cut costs so that a junior kindergarten program can be established in the Durham Region. Mr. Pelt is 36 years old, and married, with one child. He has ap MA degree in history from the University of Toronto. Also contending for the Durham Board of Education is James E. Speers, of 711 King Street, a resident of Whitby for more than 20 years. Mr. Speers, 57, was born and educated at Caledon in Peel County, and taught science, mathematics and physicaled'uca tion at Colborne Street School and Henry High School in Whitby.-He was also a guidance counsellor. From 1958 to 1961 he was principal of Elora District High School, and principal of Courtice Secon- dary School from 1961 until his retirement in June 1976. Mr. Speers says he wel- cornes the present trend of "back to basics" in education. "I believe that English, mathernatics, science and history (with a concentration on Canadian studies) should be compulsory for all students up to and including Grade 12", he says. "In the teaching of English at least 60 per cent of the time should be allotted to the teaching of grammar, spelling and reading compre- hension. In mathematics there should be more empha- sis on computational skills and drill and less attention to the topic of "set theory" --especially and the junior and intermediate levels", says Mr. Spee rs. Mr. Speers says he believes in greater participation by parents and students in the study of educational problemls in the comrnunity through Home and School Associations in elementary schools and student-teacher-parent advi- sory commit tees in secondary schools. He also says he will, if elected, try to reflect as much as possible, the wishes and opinions of the ratepayers who elected him. A inatter of particular concern to Mr. Speers is how to curtail edu- This condition, of course, mutual trust andicoaperatian system in Kitchener and sub- cational expenditures but also resuits in a poor educational that is so necessary for a good sequently, Ridley College in find new ways of providing atmosphere and our students educational climate", le says. St. (atherines. He then necessary revenue for the suffer as a resuit". David J. D. Sims, a 39 attended Trinity Callege at Board of Education. "My background as a year old Whitby lawyer, i the University of Toranto Mr. Speers also believes teacher and-an administrator seekin aposition as a where he abtaired bis "The relations between the would enable me ta be of g Bachelor of Commerce teachers and the public are of service in making a.worth-Trse ont Degree. Subsequently, he great concern to all of us. In while contribution in improv- Board of Edion. took lis law degree at some parts of Ontario, these ing relations between the Mr. Sims was born in Osgoode Hall Law Schaol and relations have deteriorated Board and the teaching staff, Kitchener, Ontario. He was called ta the bar in 1964. into downright hostility. heiping to deveop a spirit of attended the publicschaol Contd on P.." 1 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY NOTICE OF INTENTION TO STOP UP AND CLOSE A SECTION OF D'HILLIER STREET Notice is hereby given that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Whitby intend to pass a by-law to stop up and close and sell to the adjoining owners that portion of D'Hillier Street located in Part of Lot 31, in the SecondConcession of the Town of Whitby, designated as Part 11 on a Plan of Survey deposited in the Registry Office for the Registry Division of Durham (No. 40) as Plan 40R-1630. And further take notice that Council or Committee of Council will at 7 P.M. on the 8th day of December, 1976, at the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, Ontario, hear in person or by his council, solicitor or agent any person who claims his land will be prejudicially affected by such by-law and who applies to be heard. DATED at Whitby, Ontario, this 3rd day of November, 1976. Wm. H. Wallace, A.M.C.T., C.M.C. CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY CHEVROLE SAVINGS