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Tho Canadian Champion, Tuosday, June 29, 1999 - 3 Board approves a $268 mlinbudget R1"elýiitri ~'r )' By DENNIS SMITH Special to The Champion The Halton District School Board approved a $268 .7 mil- lion budget recently amid arsurances it is in good finan- cial healtb. "1 don't agree that the board is in bad shape financially; it's quite the opposite," said busi- ness superintendent Wayne McNally. "We've had almost $1 million in working reserve funds this year and st year." Mr. McNally made the com- ments following prompting by Michael Ellis. The Burlington trustee said it was suggested tbe board migbt be in bad shape financially, but indicated be believed other- wise. "As our Ontario Public School Boards Association rep- resentative, I get to see how we stand compared to other bcrards, icricc Mr. lu'Iis. fie then asked Mr. McNally bis views about the board's finan- cial condition. The superintendent said the transition to greater financial support from the province (instead of support by property taxes) bas been easier for Halton's public board. It bas flot required stabilization or mitigation funding from the Province, he noted. "We knew we were a wealthy board, assessment- wise, but previous boards have been good about keeping spending down," said Mr. McNally. The issue isn't how much money bas been spent, but where it bas been spent, he said. "We've set priorities and chosen where to spend tbe money," he said. "A purist illîglîf look at the pIrovincial tunding model and sec our pic- ture looks kind of ugly." It was noted the board bas budgeted $6 million more for teachers salaries, but $2 million less for textbooks and $2 mil- lion less for guidance and library services. Staff say changes were made to ,icc omiiiod.îic a conclid reached tast fl with secondary teachers. Under the agreement, teach- ers instruct six classes over eight periods, but provincial funding is based on teacbing of 6.6 classes. Education director Dusty Papke said -budget reduction N an gets a shock A 43-year-old Derlan Aerospace employee was lucky to, escape serious injury after sustaining an electrical sbock June 18. The electrician accidentally toucbed a live voltage fine on the Market Drive plant's main electric panel at about 1:30 p.m. He was pulled to, safety by anotber employee, who grabbed tbe electrician by bis pants and belt. The man's injuries were described as not life-tbreatening. An ambulance was called, but not required. Halton Regional Police said the man was sbocked wbile trying to, regain bis balance. He lost bis balance after leaning down, and then grabbed the 375-volt panel. The accident is under investigation by the Ministry of Labour. for in other ways. He noted tbe board is receiv- ing $2 million worth ot text- books tbrougb provincial 'top up' funds., And the contract with sec- ondary teachers requires tbem to perform 125 minutes per week of other duties. Mucb of tbis will go towards libraty and guidance work, said Dr. Papke. Community relations and healtb superintendent Betb Shelswell bas prepared a guid- ance report and suggested the situation be monitored. Phasing in of secondary school reform next faîl could make extra demanda for guid- ance, she said. "There'll be two different sets of diplomas, wîtb old and new systems in tbe schools," the superintendent noted. being brought in as supply teachers to ease the situation at some schools, Ms Shelswel added. The budget approved for September 1, I 999-August 31t, 2000 is about $300,000 below last year's total.. Other budget bighlights: - $1.2 million was allotted to pay for cleanups of mould in portables and another $500,000 provided for demolîtion ot portables; - Additional provisions of $200,000 for in-service curricu- lum training tor elementary teachers and $200,000 to pro- vide special education in-ser- vice; - Provincial transition fund- ing for preparation time and department heads totaled $2.65 million this- year, but wîll not be provided in 1999/2000. Introducing "Bear Bonus" -AE'RCE FO DRI VEN. The New Nissan Pathflnder XE e170-HP, 3.3L, SOHO V6 enginel eRoof rack eAir conditioning *Remote keyless entry *Power windows, door locks and heated mirrors *100-watt AM/FM/CD with cassette stereo with 6 speakers " 4-wheel ABS " cruise control *Anti-theft system e "Plus Ps. & Taxes. Speciai iinancing and lease packages available. Ses dealer for deia~s. I a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0