News Board balances demand and budget Maintaining a balance between decreased resources and increased expectations is a major challenge for the Saanich School Board in the coming year, chairman Gra- ham Hill noted at the board’s recent inaugural meeting. “We recognize and are prepared to meet the challenge of the widening gap between expecta- tions and available resources,” he said Nov. 30. ‘Government funding has not kept pace with the growth in the district and the increased demands of the Year 2000 program, Hill said. The current $42 million operat- ing budget covers about 500 teach- ers, 300 support staff and 8,000 students. The board has already cut some support services, including ele- mentary counselling, special needs and school librarians. Budget constraints may force the board to increase class sizes, thus contravening the contact with the Saanich Teachers Association, Hill noted. The district has grown by 19 per cent in the past five years, register- ing 8,000 students this past Sep- tember compared to 6,700 stu- dents in 1987. The newly completed Bayside Middle School, built to house 750 students, already contains 720 stu- dents. “You can expect some portables there in the next five years,” Hill said. CLEVERLY WRAPPED pre- sent was at Greenglade Elementary School Wea- nesday during the Beauti- ful Toys Christmas number. Hope Your Season is Crafted with Joy! A Handmade Gift comes from the Heart Seasons Greetings Patricia & Betsy PATRICIA'S ATRIOS) CABIN aah) 2426 Beacon Ave. Sidney, B.C. Underway are additions to Deep Cove and Keating Elementary schools and at Stelly’s Secondary. The district is looking for a new elementary school site in the north zone and, if growth continues, will need a fourth middle school within five years. One issue facing the board is the maximum enrollment for each school. If the district decides to cap enrollment at 750 students in middle schools and at 1,000 stu- dents in secondary schools, more school sites will be required. However, the cost of school sites has increased dramatically. ‘We recognize and are prepared fo meet the challenge of the widening gap between expectations and available resources’ “One option, eventually, may be year-round use of existing facilit- ies,” Graham said. The board plans to encourage community use of the schools, in order to get the maximum benefit from the existing buildings. Other programs are also reach- ing out into the community, including the day shadow program which places all 500 Grade 8 students in work situations for a ~~ day throughout the community. © Through the co-op education program, 152 students were placed in a minimum of 100 hours work experience while the work experi- ence program placed 213 secon- FAWCETT ) SHOE REPAIR 9767 - 4th St. 655-4121 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year To Our Customers & 656-484 Friends _} dary students. A Sidney-based storefront school program serves 120 stu- dents who are trying to improve or complete their education after leaving school. Changes to implement the Year 2000 program are underway, despite a shortage of funds to make the transition. “The teachers are to be com- mended for their dedication because they are the ones who are making it happen,” Hill said. Underway is development of a gender equity policy, undertaken as a pilot project with the Ministry of Education and a review of the district’s library services. Hill said the board maintains a good working relationship with parents, CUPE, teachers and administration. : Many parents and staff are involved on district committees, he added. “Even I was surprised to learn that we had almost 100 committees working throughout the district during the past year.” Hill will remain chairman of the board until the next school board election in November 1993. Vice-chairman is trustee Anne Johnston. TheReview {hieistmas Joy to All We offer our thanks and best wishes for a fine holiday. 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