SUNDAY September 15, 1996 BCAA See page 31 Fash crunch leaves V schools behind in omputers, technology tan Hoble lews Reporter WHOLE the working world ls for more computer skills om today’s students, North ‘ancouver schools are strug- ling to put new technology in he classroom. What they have now is usually outdated. id the problem may become more acute for cols in less affluent areas of the municipal- as the district leans on school fundraising improve access to technology and comput- a Meanwhile, the provincial government is Roviding less funding this year for technology the school district than last year. Funds targeted for technology now sit at 6 per student in the district — about ough to buy an average elementary school gre coniputer, said district assistant superin- dent Paul Killeen. "Last: May, a provincial document called chnology in British Columbia Public fahools calied for lowering computer-to-pupil jos to 6-1 in elementary schools and 3-1 in ondary schools, said Killeen There is no chance, he said, that North couver can come up with the $6 million to #3 North Shere Alert..... e Sports.............. & Talking Personals............40 fons. 1 Travel... MIDLAND WALW Your not the only one thinking | about your investments ” Yatk to us at Midtand Watwyn, we know it takes paticnce and foresight to optimally manage your wealth. it takes Blue Chip Thinking. ‘West Vancouver office: 925-9210 © BLUE CHE TRIMMING Is a tragermerk of Mhalend Wishyn Copetat Member - Candin irvetior Protection Futat $7 million to buy the computers the provincial document calls for. Instead, North Vancouver will concentrate on providing local area networks in schools to, among other goals, increase access to the Internet and the Provincial Learning Network, said Killeen. Most districts have funds set aside for pur- chasing technology and computers. But in District 44s nearly $100-mil- lion budge, a “The amount meagre $3,000 is set aside fo: that for technology purpose. and computer Approximately 87% of the diss | purchases has trict’s budget is by _ been slashed consumed instruction and i gur school and ad- from six fi es three years ministration costs. ” Killeen said ago. the amount for technology and computer purchases has been slashed from six figures three years ago. For this year’s technology plan, of the esti- mated $228,000 carmarked for equipment purchases, parents, who already must pay for supplies, some programs and trips, will be asked to help raise $225,000. That worries Chuck Dixon, the president of the North Vancouver Teachers Association, who says students at schools in less affluent areas may be left behind when it comes to pur- chasing technology. And it may be the thin See NV schools page 3 N. Van RCMP roadside inspection uncovers host of safety infractions By Anna Marie D'Angelo News Reporter IF the results of recent random brake inspections are any example, there is not much stopping most big trucks in North Vancouver. On Wednesday, 18 flatbed and dump trucks were pulled over at two loca- Only six of 18 vehicles had passable bral No fess than five vehicles were immediately taken off the road because they lacked braking abili The drivers of the David Field, rest had to adjust their brakes before North Vancouver Mounties and a Motor Vehicle inspector would allow them back into traffic. , especially, have real good operators or real WEATHER Monday: Sun & clouds High 18°C, low 10 5 NEWS photo Brad Lecwidgs Pianos kay Cap fundraiser FRIDAY marked the start of Capilano College's piano sale amid festivities kick- ing off the schoo!'s fundraising carnpaign for its new theatre. Lyle King [s the sotl- tary figure preparing the pianos for the sale, which ends today, Sunday, at 6 p.m. Field said he had seen brakes in worse condition at other inspections, but he was surprised on Wednesday at the high number of truck drivers with poor brakes. At the inspections, one brake line actually exploded un a truck when the ver applied the brakes, : Another dump truck driver didn’t have a clue as to how to do a brake check to see if his brakes were working, properly . Field said the ticketed drivers of the heavy trucks (greater than 5,000 kg) from Worth Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland. Drivers were fined for failing to maintain their air brakes. The charge, like speeding and running a stop sign, falls under the Motor Ve Act. ; Field said that the Mounties will likely not make public the names of truck drivers ticketed with having faulty brakes as long as the offence falls under the ’ Motor Vehicle Act. Field said five more Mounties will be trained for air inspections in about a month, Currently three North Vancouver Mounties are qualified to inspect air brakes. The random brake inspections were held near West Ist Street and MacKay ue and Mount Seymour Parkway and Berkley. Field said it takes 20 to 30 minutes to inspect the brakes on one hes He said long-range truck drivers tend to have well-maintained vehic because they may be checked in several jurisdictions. ebaiec h