Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 22/02) - The city's Catholic school board is on track for a surplus budget for 2002-2003, despite registering an $88,468 deficit over this year.

The board for Yellowknife Catholic Schools is projecting an accumulated surplus of $845,147 for June 30, 2002.

An initial draft budget will presented to the board in March, followed by public consultations set for April 22, 2002.

A gold-medal finish

A new record may have been set for last Wednesday's public meeting.

Even though the meeting began late at approximately 7:50 p.m., it was over in 55 minutes -- about an hour less than usual.

The short time was recorded despite two school presentations, and six motions made by the board.

In comparison, Yellowknife No.1's last regular board meeting, held Feb. 12, went on for more than four hours.

Of course, as board chair Larry Purcka pointed out, Canada's Olympic hockey team was playing in an elimination round with Finland that night, and few wanted to miss it.

"Alright, it's hockey night in Canada," Purcka announced as the meeting was adjourned.