teachers’

BY JAN NOBLE News Reporter

TWO prominent players in North Vancouver School District 44 criti- cized school trustee Bob Smith for refusing to reveal if he supports a proposed contract be- tween teachers and the B.C. Public Schools Employers’, Association. The province-wide transi- tional deal, which will cost the province an estimated $50 - Million, would give teachers a 2% wage hike to June 1998 and retain much of the rest of teachers’ contracts. For-North Vancouver, that means keeping a contract that some call expensive. Many districts’ have rejected the provincial deal, saying it is too rich. Other districts, such as West Vancouver, have accepted it. ~ “I think: it’s sneaky,” said fired chairman Guy Heyweod

of Smith’s ciose-mouthed —

decision.

“An elected board .would have to do this'in public. He's profoundly misunderstood

.the role of the board when —

he’s doing this sort of thing. + “Don't you think the pub- ‘lic Should know?" he asked. .

Heywood told the News:

“earlier that the deal would continue to skew the schooi ; district's expenditures toward teacher and aide salaries, which account for approxi-

mately 92% of District 44's total operating budget.

Then-education minister Art Charbonneau appointed Smith as sole trustee for the school district. in’ January after Charbonneau fired the seven elected District 44 trustees.

Smith said he doesn't believe keeping his decision to himself is undemocratic. The bylaws of the employers’ association, he said, clearly state the votes are confiden- tial.

“FT don't think all 75 school districts are making public pronouncements of their deci- sion. Some are, some aren't,” Smith said.

He said he doesn't want his decision to fuel angst among parents over the col- lective agreement or upset teachers.

However, Smith did say he doesn’t think the agreement is “especially sensitive’ to the needs of North Vancouver.

North Vancouver Teach- ers’. Association president Chuck Dixon said Smith doesn’t want to engage in dis- cussion on the topic because he can’t make: anybody happy. But Dixon thinks there should be a discussion.

“That's the process when involved in an open and democratic body,” ‘he said. “This certainly undercuts that.”

B.C.’s__ teachers - have given the deal a green light, while the position of school boards. won't be released

until June 18.

Noting that the provincial government can impose an agreement, Smith said casting a vote may be a redundant exercise.

At a Tuesday board meet- ing, Smith said the agreement caused concern for the dis- trict.

Although Victoria would likely provide funding for the agreement for teachers, there is no money available to pay for a “me-too” provision in the administrators’ contract that would kick in if the teachers’ agreement was signed, said Smith. That pro- vision could cost the district $300,000.

In his final report: March 31 to the education minister outlining $4 million in cuts and cast increases to balance the school district's 1996-97 budget, Smith said the district spends significantly more on teaching and classroom sup- port staff than comparable districts.

The clauses in teachers* contracts that affect increased costs deal with salary levels, class sizes, and mainstream- ing of special needs students,

‘said Smith,

The instruction costs of District 44 are $4.9 million per year over the average of seven comparable districts, stated Smith’s report.

However, the average North Vancouver teacher's salary of $52,301 is lower than the B.C. average of

$52,323.

« ye i aes rig

Partnersin Mentorship Education Society

The Summer Science Mentorship Program provides science-related work experience for secondary students,

_ giving them the opportunity ta work closely with a university mentor at a scientific business or industry. For information call

(604) 291-5934.

'. The Partners in Science Awareness Program provides funding to provincially registered non-profit societies and professional associations which have been established by a specific act of the B.C. legislature for projects to increase public participation in science and technology. Eligible applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with schools, businesses and individuals in their communities to showcase the special role science and technology is playing in their

ne pa EES Pee Sa

be aes

region's economic development and quality of life.

Next competition deadline

October 31, 1996

To find out haw you can participate, contact:

Science, Technology and Capital Development Division, Ministry of Employment and Investment, " . 6th Floor, 712 Yates Street

Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4

Telephone:. (604) 387-5027 x (604) 356-0021

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Ministry of Employment and lnvesiment

(Mara Lasrarny #3 pve) ‘Gran germe ery BAL SVS Trin tov nf DH ACR aPaY sen

‘tate whe oaat om the streety of git a " asetne Heed Fame waeren endl Partin Keene 1 eee eens 10 tape ene

Ler

OF nen Pv, ome a igre or |

etiam, asian

” ters ‘mnerannsiney Os acne

VIDEO RENTAL

Rent one Video, get the second video rental (of equal or lesser value) FREE! Limit ona per customer. Volid only at 801 Marine Drive, #900, Video games not included.

- Offer expire:

s July 7, 1996, Not vad with any other offers.

HURRY IN TODAY! OFFER EXPIRES JULY 7, 1996.

om me BLOCKBUSTER VIDE!

C'name ond dengn ove tegivarod nademarta of Blockbusier Enlertyainment ine, Hi, auerdaln, &°.33201 G17

coLuneR a ICTURES