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IMPP-blasts trustees for keeping sparsely-attended sehoolso oen By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Halton public school board trustees are acting irresponsibly in flot shutting down sparsely-attend- ed schools, Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh charged. And a recent report by the Education Improvement Commission (EOC) also blasted the Halton District School Board for its failure to lock the doors of under- attended schools, he added. 'They were quite scathing," said Mr. Chudleigh. "It's frustrating. They won't do the kinds of things that are necessary and should be done." Under provincial regulations. partially empty schools must be closed down before any new schools can be built in high- demand areas. But in a recent press release, Mr. Chudleigh stated that the EIC's recommendations have "barely registered on the radar screens of school board trustees." The release also stated that he and affected Halton parents have been -stonewalled" 'by the board when they attempt to address the issue. -(Parents) are disgusted with it," said Mr. Chudleigh. "They think the Province should be doing something." But in calling for action on the matter, he has found an ally in local trustee Erica Andrew. "'d agree. We are being remiss," she said. "It's an issue, there's no doubt about it." The ETC recommendation came as no surprise, Ms Andrew com- mented. 'They came to Halton and inter- viewed people and looked ait what people hari said," she said. "They, I think, used the word 'paralyzed,' that this was paralyz- ing our board." But she denied the charge that trustees weoe iresponsible. "Dt's not as simple as that. We have fulfilled our duty in many, many areas," said Ms Andrew. 'We know this is a problem and we will address it down the line." The sooner the better, said Mr. Chudleigh, adding that the board is currently spending $462.000 per year to bus students 60 far-flung schools. "They're playing politics with the children's education," he said. "lt's disgusting." The problem, acknowledged Ms Andrew, is grave in parts of Georgetown and Oakville, and wilt soon he critical in Milton. She noted that a number schools had once been singled out for dlo- sure by the board. But when it came to a vote, the motion was defeated five 60 five. "But remember that five trustees did vote to close schools," said Ms Andrew. 10 was one of them." The defeated motion led to a temporary freeze on the school dlo- sure policy. But Ist Thursday, the board got into gear again by voting 60 rescind the policy freeze. And it voted 60 begin a massive review of ail board policies, includ- ing ochool closures. "The board has to act. 1 think it's IIIoe GOVERNMENT on page 14 Tho Canadien Champion, TuesdaY, November 23, 1999 -5 SWAROVSKI BABY GtRAFPE WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO. Mark Brancier Ceruefied Gemologint Appraiser WM M ill 870-407 Designers and Craftsmen of Fine Jewellery Serveng Milton Sence 1966 & &.& JEWELLER - GEMOLOGIST INC. HIC HA nBS ON CHEVROLET-GLDSMGDELEE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTR - PLUS DUAL TNEFT*DETERRENT SYSTEM a POWE DOGA LGCKS e AIR CONDMTGNNG *4-Speed Automnatic: with Traction Cotrot - Anti-Lock Brake System *Crease Control *AM/FM Cassette é 2.2 1/115 HP Englue Pubs Yo In Compleu Control Witm Up-4ront FUR Dbtsclm Prlclng With -. NoMtrhce SuMLUUM PURCHASE PRICIE $218 1.9% $18.845 36 MONTHS LEASE RATE UP TO 36 MONTHS OR .(INCLUDES FREIGHT OP$680 AN AiR TAS 0E PURCHASE FINANciNG UP TO 48 MONTHS. $100. LICENCE. INSURANCE AND TAXES EXTRA.) OUR PRICE UNCLUDES FREIGHT. JUR TAX & PDI. I FEAUIS: - 3.4 Litre SF1 V6 180 HP h v oe Im aa2 0 Engine -4-Speed Auto- L matic Transmission - 6-Passenger Seating - 16' Wheets and Tires *Largest 4-Wheel Doc Braises In Class *AM/FM Stereo wilh CD*- Remote Keyless Entry *Steering Wheel Moanteri Croise Contrai - Neot Generation Driver ande Front Passenger SUtSe PIIICASE CE Air Bago - PASSLocIr"' TheSt- f ~ l l Deterreot System ande Locisoat Protection - Air Conditioning 3 10 MOtO iNC.srsreisr r e LocksANindows/Mirrors AND AI R T00 OF $100 LICENCE. INSURANCO AND TAXES EXTRA)i FUATURES: *3.1 Litae 31006 Engin. *4-Speed Automatîc Trans- mission - 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakin Systom - 166,000 km belmieen tune-upo - Neot Generation Driver and Front Passenger Air Bago Air Conditinning -AM/FM Steren wiuh CD Playor -PASSLockM I Thot-Detorrent System -TitWeF Steering - Battery Run-Doan Protection OUN PRC0NLDSFIMT AIR AX P10UIENE P* O.A.C. See sales rep for detaits ½1due Phei*pg HOURIS SERVICE HOURS sonaffl Mon.-Pi..... &unagn Ie-m Tues ........ . on In ç ' saeeJRiS ........ CHEVROLET-GLDSMGBIL6EI HWY. 25 S. AT DERRY RD., MILTON