More kids, less money

NNSL (JAN 03/97) - Despite reductions in funding over the next two years, school boards in Yellowknife look optimistically to 1997.

"If the GNWT maintains its level of cuts, not much will change," said Ken Woodley, superintendent of the public school board. "When we did last year's budget, we took the cuts then."

While Woodley said the funding reductions have placed an additional strain on the system, the overall quality of education hasn't been affected.

"We haven't lowered our expectation level to the same level our funding has been reduced," he said. "Our operation is labor-intensive, so I guess it's people (teachers) that have been affected."

"The last area for this to be felt is among the students, so we take it ourselves," he added.

The Roman Catholic school board has had to deal with the same cuts. The board's student enrolment is increasing as the GNWT funding levels drop.

"We're trying not to turn people away," said Don Kindt, the district's supervisor of schools. "I hope when the GNWT looks at the whole situation, they'll take all factors into account."

Currently, there are 1,418 students in the district schools, more than 100 more than last year at this time.

Rising enrolment at Ecole St. Joseph and Weledeh school is increasing the need for more seats at St. Patrick high school.

"When the new high school was built, we gained 200 students right away," he said. "Whenever a new facility is built, there's a lot of shopping that goes on."

In a time of severe belt-tightening at both school boards, there are an increasing number of joint projects between the two districts.

A $250,000 Department of Education initiative to provide technology training to teachers in both districts kicks off in the new year.

To be announced early in January, the project will train teachers in the application of technology, such as computers and internet use.

The two school boards are trying to align busing schedules to save money. They are working toward a common resource selection and service for a new western Canada math curriculum.

In addition, there will be common professional development sessions for both boards.

"Right now it makes sense for us to pick and choose areas where we can work together, and then to remain unique in other areas," said Kindt.