Baker Lake (Sep 17/03) - There is growing concern in the community of Baker Lake over the lack of high school graduates its school system has been producing during the past few years.

Baker's educational system was thrown into further chaos earlier this month with the resignation of the local District Education Authority's (DEA) chair and vice-chair.

Kivalliq Student Services executive director Bonnie Spence-Vinge said the Baker DEA is reorganizing and looking forward to moving ahead with the task at hand.

"All of the school operations and the Department of Education are always interested in increasing our number of graduates," said Vinge.

"This is an ongoing process, especially looking at factors that contribute to (academic) success."

Jonah Amitnaaq principal Gerald Kelly said the secondary school has an excellent staff and offers students a superior academic and vocational program.

He said it's up to the students to take advantage of the program.

"We're forever coming up with incentives for our kids to attend school, but absenteeism at the high school in Baker has always been chronic," said Kelly.

"The school can't solve this problem on its own. It has to happen in co-operation with the staff, DEA and the community."

Jonah Amitnaaq had five potential grads this past school year.

Only two finished the year and took their diploma exams in June, which they did not pass.

There are 11 students in Grade 12 this year, of whom Kelly said seven have a realistic chance of graduating.

"We have no control over who graduates upon completion of their final year.

"They have to write the Alberta diploma examinations and get a passing garde.

"All we can do is prepare them as best we can for those exams."

Former chairperson Eric Tapatai said his resignation was prompted by the stress of combining his regular job with his duties to the DEA board.

Tapatai said the low number of grads was a top concern during his tenure.

He said a lot of the absenteeism problem stems from the old school.

"It's old, gloomy, and just not a very positive learning environment," said Tapatai.

"When the new school opens after the Christmas break, we'll see a dramatic increase in the school's attendance numbers."