Trustees divided over how to break the news The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - A? ore school closures seen By JENNIFER LANG SCHOOL CLOSURES are back on the table when it comes to budget cuts at School District 82, trustees revealed last week. Bul parents won't be ’ notified until February at the earliest. That's when the dis- trict’s standing and ad hoc --commiltees-will-table-their findings after exploring more than 50 different sug- gestions for cuts, including school closures: — - That's not soon enough for Marj Brown. The Ter- race trustee,” who: is not standing for re-election, tried ‘unsuccessfully last week to. convince the hoard to notify parents as soon as possible, . “There’s still, even in Terrace, there’s an anxiety that we may be looking at closing schools.” Brown wanted to avoid ‘what turned out to be an aponizing decision-making process over school clo- sures lust spring. " “think it’s the fairest way,” Brown said, point- ing to rumours. that the district may consider clos- ing both South Hazelton Elementary School and Kitwanga elementary-sec- ondary school to save - money. '*That would do some- thing about the rumours. It would give the impression of being fairer,” she said. “There's still, even in Ter- race, there’s an anxiety that we may be looking at closing schools.” Hazelton trustee Peter Weeber said it would: be premature to notify parents now. “This is the first time this subject has been broached,” he said, adding each ‘school. in the district -would have» to--be-ex- amined individually before the district can come up with-a list of possibilities. “TL think this [motion] is totally off the wall,” he added, -“T agree with Peter,” Terrace trustee Hal Sted- ham said. “It’s definitely premature.” Stedham said last spring’s schoo! closures were devastating and trau- matic for the district. - “CE think every other possibility has to be ex- plored before we consider closing schools,” he said. Peter King had urged fel- low trustees to ensure school closures announced last spring wouldn’t be fol- lowed by additional cio- sures this year. “Now I find there’s two Acting board ‘chair more schools that could‘ close,” he said. The board has decided to delay notifying parents of possible school closures until after the district's re- configuration budget com- miitee’s review of a list of possible cuts is complete. Budgel cuts will be dis- cussed at a special board meeting in February. Rob. Greenwood, chair of the district’s reconfi- guration committee on budgel cuts, said that would leave the public about six months to re- spond. Marj Brown ELECT CAROL LECLERC Working with regional, provincial and federal agencies to diversify business and employment — opportunities e Promoting and developing tourism * Multiplex - conventions and recreational opportunities * More seniors housing * Making recycling easier *. More opportunities for youth * More green space and trails « More road repairs Let me be your voice CAROL LECLERC) X \ f Extravaganza at NEID ENTERPRISES. Buy any new 2003 model before Nov. 30 and you'll get up to ONLY THE BEST, ONLY AT... NEID ENTERPRIS Advanced suspension system for smoother ride No security deposit aac By.