Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 03/05) - Organizers of the first Yellowknife aboriginal graduation ceremony approached the Yk No. 1 school board for a cash boost at the regular May meeting.

Roberta Kennedy asked trustees to match $1,500 from the aboriginal education budget for the June 11 event at the Yellowknife River.

Organizers of the honour ceremony say the budget for the one-day event is $14,000. Co-host Yellowknife Catholic school district (YCS) and businesses have contributed.

Acting superintendent Ken Dropko said he would look into the request.

Barebones budget passed

Trustees unanimously passed the $23 million budget for the upcoming school year, last week.

The barebones budget is based on the 2,017.5 students enroled in the district's schools in September 2004. Enrolment at Yk No. 1 has fallen steadily for the last five years.

Lower numbers mean 3.75 fewer teachers and 2.5 fewer school counsellors, but more aboriginal instructors for 2005/2006. About $16 million will be spent on school programs, close to $3 million for inclusive schooling and $2.6 million on maintenance.

Committee needed for communication

Trustee Duff Spence's request to create a facilities committee to make sure Yk No. 1's building needs are properly communicated to the GNWT was accepted by the board.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is deciding where to spend $16 million on education buildings in Yellowknife over the next 10 years.

Assistant superintendent Mel Pardy sits on the steering committee, along with reps from other districts.

Trustees agreed with Spence that Yk No. 1's building needs, like a new roof at William McDonald and completions to renovations, need to be communicated.

YCS, Aurora College and the Francophone commission are all seeking new or renovated schools.

Yk No. 1 is the only district not seeking a new building, though Kalemi Dene school has already been promised $4 million.