Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 07/01) - The results of an operational review of Yellowknife's public school system will likely be made public when completed, according to the board's chair.

"I don't see a problem with that," said Yellowknife Education District No. 1's chair, Dan Schofield.

Schofield added even though he had no problems making the findings of the review public, it would was up to the entire board to decide.

He also said the board would likely want to consult with the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment -- which is footing the bill -- before releasing the report.

Schofield said he doesn't know whether any public report released would be in full, or in a condensed version.

"We'll have to (have) some discussion with that," said Schofield.

Trustees Rob Meckling, Ann Enge and Terry Brookes had no objections to making the review's findings public either.

"Why not?" said Enge. "It's public money. They have a right to know, good or bad."

Trustees Mildred Wilke and Marlo Bullock said they haven't made any decisions yet about the review. Bullock recently returned from medical leave, and said she hadn't time to consider the issue yet.

Trustee Maureen Miller said she would not object to making public a review critical of the board, but drew the line at naming individual Yellowknife No. 1 employees.

"If there is something that fingers someone, say a principal, I wouldn't be in favour of it," said Miller. "If it was general recommendations that the board can do better, I wouldn't object."

The board met Wednesday night with Terriplan Consultants to discuss the how the review will be conducted.

Yellowknife No.1 superintendent Dr. Judith Knapp asked the department to conduct an review of the board's management, administration, and finances earlier last month.

Last summer, the board announced a budget deficit of $823,000, despite a much rosier forecast projected the year before.

In July 2000 former trustee and board vice-chair Bob Patterson predicted a surplus of $197,000 for 2000/2001.

Terriplan Consultants, who have worked with the city, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and Human Resources Development Canada on various development projects, won the contract to conduct the operational review Nov. 23.

Janet Grinsted, director of education operations and development with ECE, said the review will likely be completed by the end of February 2002. The cost of the contract will be approximately $50,000.

"The report will be given to the board and the board administration," said Grinsted.

"We will not make it public without board consent."