Rankin Inlet (Sep 03/03) - The Rankin Inlet District Education Authority (DEA) is preparing to meet the challenges of another school year with a fresh new board.

Elder Peter Ipkornerk gives Sophie Baker some carving lessons during a cultural inclusion class at Maani Ulujuk middle school earlier this year. - Darrell Greer /NNSL photo

All seven of the local DEA members are still in their first year of service.

Acting chairperson Stan Anderson said DEA meetings are open to the public and parental input is strongly encouraged.

"We have a meeting today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and every second Wednesday after that," said Anderson.

"Parents are most welcome to attend and voice any concerns or issues they may have."

The Rankin DEA faces a number of challenges in meeting the needs of the school system, while maintaining its $1.2-million budget.

Teachers continue to lobby for more student support assistants (SSA), while the demands of student bussing, janitorial services, cultural inclusion and land-skills programs must be met.

Anderson said any project outside the normal school curriculum comes from the DEA's budget.

He said after SSAs, the Rankin DEA's biggest concern is the computer system being utilized by all three schools in the community.

The system is almost as big as the one used by the government in the hamlet.

The schools have no technicians to fix and maintain the system and the GN won't fund them for one.

"Our people are our biggest asset and our best resource.

"Computer skills are among the most easily transferable and staying on the cutting edge is quite important.

"We're at a great disadvantage when our system is down simply because of the lack of someone to keep them working."

Kivalliq DEA chairs will meet with Education Minister Manitok Thompson in Rankin Sept. 23 to discuss their wish lists.

Thompson will then travel to Baker Lake to meet with the region's principals and Education workers.

Anderson said the lack of a computer technician is one concern the DEA will be expressing to Thompson during her visit.

"It's expected to come out of our budget, but what do we cut? Bussing? Student support?

"It's very hard for us to find the funding we need.

"The reality is, $1.2 million might sound like a lot of money, but it really isn't."