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The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, Apnil 9, 2002 -7 sMother starts group to address school funding woes By H-OWARD MOZEL Special ta The Champion Cathy Bickley's new advocacy group for publicly-funded edu- cation in Halton has no name yet, but its mission is crystal clear: a grade 2 student at Maple Grove School in Oakville. Refemrng to a special edition of Education Matters, the Halton District School Board's newsletter, Ms Bickley pointed out that tbe board indicated a shortfali of almost $20 million in 2001-02. 0f thse $20 million, $7.2 million represented expenses over wbich the board bas no discretion, such as salaries, beneflîs and trans- portation costs. 'Me board bas been forced 10 defer school repairs and mainte- A nance, reduce special education services and cutback on programs and services that broaden children's education, such as librarians and technology progranis ini grades 4 and up, Ms Bickley explained. The Halton board bas yel 10 pass ils 2002-03 budget but parents should expect no change over 2001-02 unless action by parents is laken now, she added. "Culs to scbool repair and maintenance budgets are hurling our children," stated Ms Bickley. "At my daugbter's scbool... our kids have to be restricted 10 the blacksop when it rains for safely and sanitary reasons. As a scbool coundil, we would have 10 raise over $40,000 jusl 10 repair the grass for the kids 10 play on. And we are not aione. TMe Georgetown bigb scbool bas ceiling files that are falling down and batbrooms in serious need of renovation and repair. It's a disgrace." Already sensitized by the lack of money for speciai needs slu- dents and forced to belp raise funds for basic school supplies, Ms Bickley fouind herself faced wilh "confusing infonmation" when she tried 10 gel 10 the botlom of the provincial funding formula. 2 She approacbed bier trustee Mary Chapin wbo in turn steered Ms Bickley toward tbe scbool board. "She put me in toucb witb the superintendent of finance and t got educated," said Ms Bîckley, wbo cbaraclerized tIhe board as "very open" about ils fmnancial dilemma and about belpmng bier. Ms Bickley, a graduale of the MBA prograro aI the University of Westemn Ontario and a former banker, aiso bad the opporlunity 10 independenlly review board finances for 2001-02. "There is no way tbey could possibly flnd enougb savings in their budget 10 make tîp the $20 million and not start culling mbt basic services," said Ms Bickley. "Heck, in my opinion, tbey couldn't even find enougb money 10 pay for tbe eslimated $5.1 million is deferred repairs and maintenance for 2001-02. "Mhs new funding model bas resulted in notbing lest than a complete mess," Ms Bickley continued. "If public education was apublic company and the Ministry of Education the management team in charge, I'd be questioning their ability 10 properly manage Ibe companty aI the next annual sharebolders' meeting. The Ministry of Education is managing tse business of public educa- tion in Ibis province into Uhe ground." Board Chair Ethel Gardiner introduced Ms Bickley 10 Nancy Deigiannis, Use motber of four cbildren attending Georgetown sebools, and togetber tbey joined forces 10 create Useir as-yel- unnamed advocacy group for parents wbo may be at a lots about wbat they can do. "First join togetber witb otber parents. Our group will be baving ils firat meetinga somnetime in late April. Public notices will be placed in local newspapers. Keep you eyes out for our meetings and come on ouI," said Ms Bickley. "Second, a copy of a petition asking the provincial govemment 10 address funding shortfails in ils next budget is available fromt myself or Nancy Deligiannis. Gel a copy, circulate i among frienda, neighbors, otber parents at your 223 MAIN ST. E. AT MARTIN ST. 905-878-0084 SoeajreW e.www.Ngatwsiecom schcuoi. anid get .as imuny siuInatuÏeS ils you "mu. (ici il ôack wd us. We'l1 forward ail pelitions 10 Uhe Minister of Education, the new premier Emie Eves and your locai MPPs." Ms Bickley aiso said sbe plans 10 attend "every single one" of Use board's budget meetings. There sbe wants to joît sit and lislen, ilsen ùissenmflilJtc as, nwch ' 111îIUdi b,î.1 1c -i other parents. Anyone wanling furlber information on tbese meet- ings, or 10 obtain a copy of Use pelillon, can contact eitber Ms Bickley via e-mail as labnic@aol.com or Ms Deligianros aI NancyDeligiannis@boùnal.com. Nos.pe Qntcirio EctrlyYeirs Centres A Place for PcrncAarétCA drn Now there's a place in our community for parents and their young children. The new Ontario Early Years Centre serves as a gateway for parents to get answers to questions they may have as well as information on available programs and services - including those for chidren with special needs. The Centre is staffed by experts, professionals and volunteers. Toll-free 1-866-821-7770/www.ontarioearlyyears.ca 917 Nipissing Road, Milton, ON 905-876-1244O ta i Mon.- Fi., :00a.m.- 400 pm.,Early Years Sat. -9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.