1 eS ne: Remany phan ea A RE Oe Rae Arp a ete naire YE MERIT aa nee ape cio: 41 = Wedacndin, Angisit 16> 1989'— De-centralization is the focus of new NV school superintendent NORTH VANCOUVER’S new superintendent of schools greets his visitor with a friendly hello. Just settling into his new, more spacious office at Schcol District 44, Dr. Robin Brayne is stili get- ting acquainted with his new posi- tion in life. ‘I’m not absolutely sure where everything is,’’ he says as he searches cupboards and drawers for information. Brayne, recently promoted from assistant superintendent to head of 38 schools, may still be getting his bearings at his workplace. But when it comes to his job, he knows what he wants. At 43, le has a crystal clear idea of the path h> would like to see the school district take. “Ym very interested in de-cen- tralization,"’ he says, Brayne believes that most of the significant decisions concerning school programming should be made at the school level. ‘“That’s where the teaching and learning is going cn,” he points out, so that’s where the decisions should be made. The school board, in turn, should create an environment in which the schools can implement those decisions. So when he puts on his new hat in September, one of Brayne’s main priorities will be to establish a comprehensive master plan that will chart the direction the district will take over the next five years. School facilities is one area that needs addressing, he says. “Some facilities are very old. We have a lot of portables, while at the same time our student popu- lation is expanding.”’ Staffing and teaching needs is another pressing issue. Although North Vancouver has not experienced as severe a teacher shortage as some rural B.C. school districts have, Brayne admits that qualified teachers are not as readi- ly available as they once were. “North Vancouver is an attrac- tive place, so we haven’t suffered like other places have,’’ he notes, “out recently we have experienced & shortage in the primary system, particularly with language and math teachers.”” One sclution is to intensify teacher recruitment — which is ’ something he plans to work hard at this year. But his major challenge this fall will be preparing the schools for the new primary curriculum as recommended by the Sullivan Royal Commission on Education. Changes to the system include ungraded primary divisions and a new common curriculum for ail students in grades 1 through 10. North Vancouver had the option to implement the new system this fall but Brayne advised the board to delay its arrival until September 1990. “‘Implementisg a whole new system like this takes time,’’ he “Tt told the board it would be foolish to bring it in without the necessery planning.” The board has hired an experi- enced elementary school principal to coordinate the program; 2s well, Brayne has spent a lot of time talk- ing to parents. A strong supperter of Barry Sullivan’s report on education, Brayne, who worked as research director for the commission, prais- ed the provincial government for acting on Sullivan’s recommenda- tions, “Ft (the Royal Commission on Education) is a very choughtful document. Mir. Sullivan clearly laid out what our options are and | give the Ministry of Education full credit for transferring those rec- ommendations into policy state- SAVE 25% on SWING ARM DESK LAMP compact light tubs - ‘Sa085 OEY. Flexible double arm adjacts to any position, Getachable weightod base or quick connect ‘nelnded. Matte Slack hatsh. Cres G8 Showrooats throughout Canada FRANCHISES AVAILABLE - CALL 769-3251 LIGHTING ments.”” The education system in B.C. has traditionally been the target of government restraint — at times it has become a warring ground for teachers and politicians. But Brayne believes that the days of teacher-government animosity are over, “" think government relations are much better. There is a far more positive atmosphere in education now...funding has im- proved and people are confident.” Society, as well, has 2 renewed commitment to education, he says. . Nostl Shore News SCH ‘OOL District superintendent Dr. Robim Brayne ...days of teacher-goverament animosity sre CHILDREN’S SHOES BUY NOW For your best choice of QUALITY LEATHER SHOES ’ FOR SCHOO. OVER 60 STORES IN CANADA Capiiano Mall, North Vancouver Lougheed Mall Burnaby 421-0712 Surrey Place Mall #100-7891 Alderbridge (iwer level next te Sears) 270-8622 ‘White queaiilies leat. Balke ewsa_ 584-LAMP