8 ~ Sunday, April 2, 1995 - North Shore News Dear Editor: Inu March 12 North Shore News unicle on school funding, North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA David Schreck is quoted as saying that the North Vancouver School District provides “luxuries” to its students and therefore should not expect additional funding. Over the past few years of increasingly inad- equate education funding, the board has struggled to maintain valuable education programs, Some of these are unique to our district. but, in my view, none are luxuries. According to a report released by the govern- ment in (993, North Vancouver was one of 17 dis- tricts underfunded by the then-current system of MACLELL Van fourth lowest in administrative costs. s ‘ finanemy cducation. Mr Sehreek states Git this report was rejected by other clistricts. fn hight ot their criticisms: the Minister of Education asked for an Independent review of the report and was Cold that it wis stl vatid, Instead of implementing the tepart, the minister changed) the funding system, but in so doing neglected to correct the area where most of the inequity occurs for North Vancouver. He has compensated other dis- tricts for any decrease in revenue they will experi- ence under his new funding formula, but has not compensated North Vancouver for the funding inequity under both the aew and old formulas that reel AN... North luxuries ithas sulfered since LOSE! Mr. Schreck also criticizes the hoard for abiding hy its contracts and providing retirement and sever: ance benefits, paid out over a three year period, to senior administraters. North Vancouver ts like many other school districts in offering these bene- fits. Nevertheless, out of 75 school districts in the province we are the fourth lowest in administrative costs calcukited on a per pupil basis, We have kept administration costs well below the ceiling imposed by the minister, freeing over $300,000 to be used in other areas, and our district central administration came to only 2.7% of our budget. Parents, teachers. non-teaching staff, adminis- trators and trustees remain united in urging the gov- ermment to fund North Vancouver schools fairly. Barbara MacLellan, Chairman North Vancouver School Board Cheekiness Dear Kditor: Congrats it Boy! Pitke thata tot Would it be too cheeky (no pun intended) to ask that the next One undo a few buttons’? — on his shirt. that is. Would you consider having him pose in boxers ... ar bicyele shorts? How about a littl: flexing? Well. you're certainly off to a good start. f. for one, feel more enticed to pick up my paper now, Man. oh man! ELL. West Vancouver Sunshine Known for building the most desirable adult-oriented communities for those over 55 years of age, Buron’s latest garden condominium combines the ultimate freedony of lifestyle with the quality of home you've been waiting for. Enjoy the owners’ greenhouse. @ Ideal location one block west of Lonsdale Avenue, Only 5 minutes to more than 300 shops, services and restaurants. A wealth of activities and superb medical facilities including Lions Gare Hospital. @ Framed by colourful landscaping, river rock walls and glorious gardens. Ridge Park Gardens is located beside beautiful Wagy Park with its own nature path, babbling brook and duck pond just our your back gate. @ Many exciting places to go without leaving home. The owners’ lounge with its river rock fireplace is ideal for bridge, biiliards, movies or sports presentations. A guest suite, workshop, greenhouse, benches throughout the garden and a car wash in the underground garage are all extensions of your horne. @ Classical architecture that looks and feels like home. Quality construction includes radiant in-floor heating, superior soundproofing, new appliances and the protection of a5 year New Home Warranty. RIDGE PARK GARDENS 2059 Chesterfield Ave. N. Vancouver Sales Office Open : 12-5emM Daily Except Friday. Call 986-0395 or Pager 273-3155 Previous Buron Projects ¢ Tudor Gardens @ Lincoln Gardens ® Kirkstone Gardens @ The Rosemont The BURGN Company