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'Watson plan spark s outcry from school communities Only a few delegates commend the plan for being a step in the right direction By DENNIS SMITH Special to The Champion School communities tar- geted for cîpsure fired back during a Halton District Sehool Board meeting Weclnesday. An overflow crowd of nearly 200 applauded loudly for 18 public delegations expressing views about a proposed $409 million strategic capital plan. Building 41 achoola, closing 15 othera and underlaking major debentures are recommended in the plan, which the board will con- sider March 22. The 20-year plan, proposed by consultant C.N. Watson, was roundly criticiLed by many dclcga- (ions. "The timelines are too short. Thcre's conccra thc publie has sot had ample time with this infonna- lion. The process is tlawed. Il's not democratic and il's perceived as a doue deal," said Burlinglon resi- dent Chnis Carver. "T'he financial model is flawed. la this the $1 billion legacy you wanl lo be remembered for?" Millon'a Paul Tale said Martin Street Sehool bas many new fea- lures and shouldn'l ho closed. "The classrooma are larger because il was originally a high school," ho said. "Il looks like a very modem school on the inside." Mr. Tate claimed entrolîment aI existrng Milton clenientary schools are bigher than the consultant has stated. Martin Street bas near- capacity entrolîment, he added. "I kind of wonder bow our rinme gol on the list," said Mr. Tate. "The sebool meets ail the ceton of C.N. Watson and should not be considered for closure." But a couple of delegations seek- ing new sehools supported the con- sultant's capital plan proposaI. "Taxpayer mouey bas been spent by the board 10 bring in an outaide, independent and objective body 10 corne up with a long-ten plan," said Jim Robinson of northeast Oakville's Clearview community. "Il is a direction - a stop for- wsrd. Taxpayers have been wailing to long for important deciaiona t0 ho made." Many crowdiug the board offices were fromt two Burlinglon high schools suggeatod for closure- Central and Goueral Brock. Brock has unique programa and helps students wiîh leaming needs become employable adulîs, noted parent representative Randy Van Impe. "The achool reduces the gap between haves and have-nota," he said. "Students thrive in the self- conîained atmosphere. "They have opportunities 10 take lead robas in achool îeams and par- ticipate in extra-curricular activi- lies." The capital plan recommends moving Brock students into Lord Elgin Higb Scbool, but Mr. Van Impe wamcd Ibis could be costly and disruptive. "Is the board wtlling to make a firm commilment for an adequate vocalional composite facility?" be asked. 'The board should move pro- gramns and teachers, make il a sehool within a achool and retain the Brock namre. "The programa, facililies and opportunities that exist today must continue tomorrow." An additional meeting for dole- galions may ho held prior 10, March 22. For further informatioh, cal 335- CARP holds contest for students The Halton Chapter of Canada's Association For The Fifty Plus (CARP) is sponsoring an Intergenerational Contest as part of ils millennium celebtration. The contest is open 10 Halton students attending secondary achools for both public and Catholie boards as well as indepen- dent schools. Students are aaked ter write an essay of 50010o750 words detailing an experience thoy have had or an interview they conducted with a grandpsront or senior. The conleat essay will ho judgod on both liter- ary akilîs and content, says CARP. Each secondary achool will aub- mil ils winning entry 10 the judges no later than March 31. Prizes are $300 for the firat place, $200 for second snd $100 for third. Winners, parents, s ropresenta- tive of their achool, directors of education and judges will ho invit- ed to CARP's May 24 meeting whoro prizes will ho awarded. The students will be asked bo presont thoir essays 10 the group.* at NETN S THURSDAY_1 FRIDAY 1SATURDAY App2earances bv folk trio "Gogher Baroque"l (Workshops daily at il a.m. - Concerts daily at 2 p.m.) -The Great "aeYu 16 Canadian Nation "Taditions lfl k Yown Celebration" NIn Graham School of of Ireland" Instrumente" 16 Irish Dance 7 p.m. 178 ~fl '1;4 Z,4: We're giving away a '2000" Millennium Coin Set at each afternoon concert. Get your free draw tickets at workshops v àw and concerts and drop them in the raffle drum. Draws, will be ELOupmn tCounltry' maeathenofec2ococshw..adyu tber- MOtUM PAMTER md tteedo ah2ocokso . n o epe MON-FRI 9:30 - 9:00 sent to win. March 16, 17 & 1811 only. SAT 9:30 - 6:00 SUN 12 -5 Coin Sets compliments of Royal Bank. 9M5ROYAL 13ANK 55 ONTARIO ST. S. l 8704900 The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, Match 14, 2000 -3 i Prime Optimum Llsed Veliicles with Solid Guarantees. ONLY $1,000 DOWN ON 36 MONTH LEASE OR 60 MONTH FINANCE. 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