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Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
Some also say it will offer them the chance to prove their competence in running the local school authority.
"When I'm in the supermarket, there's probably five complaints for every praise you get," said trustee Terry Brookes, noting that mistakes are often more noticeable than successes.
"It's always good to have another set of eyes looking at you from a different perspective."
The board was roundly criticized earlier this year by parents and teachers for allowing its budget deficit to swell to $823,000, forcing the board to make tough choices between cutting staff or capital projects.
There is no word yet on how long it will take to complete the review, or how much it will cost.
The Department of Education, Culture, Employment, closed its offer for tendered proposals last Friday, and will chose a consulting firm to begin the task in the weeks ahead.
District superintendent Dr. Judith Knapp said discussions among administration, ECE, and the board have been ongoing for most of the year about ordering the review, and now that the time has come, all sides are fully welcoming it.
"We're making a push for more accountability," said Dr. Knapp.
There have been some concerns from the public about our deficit, and I want to verify that we're doing a good job."
The last time the board underwent an operational review was in 1994.
Last week ECE deputy minister Dr. Loretta Foley said on average school districts in the NWT undergo a review every "five or six years," and regardless of Yellowknife No. 1's financial difficulties, they were due for another.
Board trustees Rob Meckling and Mildred Wilke -- as rookie members of the board -- say they will have plenty to learn from the experience.
"It's been a learning year," said Wilke.
"We're a strong group and I think we can survive that (operational review)."
