Yellowknife (Oct 22/04) - Yellowknife Catholic Schools released its education report at its annual general meeting, Oct. 20.

Chairperson Shannon Gullberg introduced the report for the 2003/2004 school year, highlighting district initiatives across all three schools.

Gullberg also noted that the board is still actively pursuing a new school and is working with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment as it starts the process this year.

"We're pretty packed and we need a new school," she said in her address.

"We will be active in that report, as we have been to date."

Superintendent Kern Von Hagen went over the remainder of the report, which included school, technology and faith achievements for the district, as well as a breakdown of operating costs for the 2004/2005 budget.

Expenditures for 2004/2005 are expected to reach $18,024,698, while revenue comes in at $18,158,160.

Combined with last year's surplus, the district foresees an operating surplus of $391,813 for June 30, 2005.

Science under review

A regular board meeting followed the AGM.

Trustees and a small gallery were briefed on the progress of a district-wide review of science programs for YCS.

The district alternates the review process between schools and programming. Last year, Ecole St. Joseph faced a review.

Alan Cook, the math/science coach for the district, said the process is two months underway, with an external and internal team evaluating how science is taught and learned in schools.

Doug Roberts, a professor at the University of Calgary and a renowned educator, is involved in the project.

A first draft of the findings will be presented to the board in March 2005.

A final report of recommendations is expected in June.