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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-03-13, Page 8The current generation of youth, educated and encouraged to use technology, will be the ones to experience the advantages (and possibly some disadvantages) of the computer age. However, is it the present generation of taxpayers who will be shelling out more hard -earned cash to cover the cost of acquiring new age technology. The fourth in the series looks at costs, reduced expenditures and partnerships. By Janice Becker Talk of the intemet and electronic technology is everywhere. Parents hear about it from their children, the nightly news has feature stories, Saturday morning information shows explain how to best use it and ratepayers question whether it is worth the cost. The Huron County School Board has been one of the leaders in bringing technology to the classrooms. By the end of February, every elementary and secondary school in the county had at least one computer with intemet access or was nearing the completion of installation. Staff at all schools were directed by the administration to use e-mail whenever possible, as a cost savings. "It is estimated that this school board spent between $2 million and $2.5 million each year on paper, telephone calls, faxes, copies and books," says Director of Education for the Huron County Board of Education Paul Carroll. With the use of electronic mail, the g board hopes to trim several hundred thousand dollars from communication expenditures, he says. "We are trying to change the face of communication links in our school system." There are two components to the intemet system now installed in the school; the telephone frame relay and the intemet server. The phone system was installed by Bell Canada and Hay Telephone. Throughout the system, a total of 14 new lines were installed in 10 out of the board's 30 facilities. Network wiring was paid for with 10 per cent of the infrastructure grant received, $110,000 to $120,000 and regular spending allocations. The total cost of the project was $850,000 for 30 sites. The intemet server will cost the board $70,000 per year with some funding provided by a Transition Assistance Fund. "It is hoped the service will be self-sustaining," says Carroll. "It will be offered to teachers and students for at-home use which will help cover costs." By reducing spending on such items as telephone calls and faxes, the board administration hopes to free up additional funds which can be spent on programs for the children. "We want to put more money back into other areas," says Carroll. The HCBE is also developing a partnership with HOMEtown Community Link, an intemet service provider. The letter of intent to the board states that the partnership's objective is to offer affordable, universal and equitable access, as a learning and information resource for teachers, students and families in Huron County. The infrastructure already established by HOMEtown is to benefit the HCBE by reducing the cost to provide the service. "The HCBE's technology is not in place to compete with the private sector," stresses Carroll. "The journey along the information highway reflects an effort to provide cost effective, taxpayer bearable, access to technology and electronic information services for 10,000 students and their families, 1,000 staff and trustees. We want a head start for our children as they find their way to the future." From March 1 - April 15, 1996 Save up to 40 % off your purchase at Blyth Decorating Centre's Budget Sale 7°'° off Floor Coverings CANADIANA COLLECTION over 24 types of carpet & 12 colours to choose from Deep Discount Prices plus 7% savings on Benjamin Moore Paints Blyth Decorating Centre Ltd. Come in and Savel 158 Queen St., Blyth 523-4930 We 6r• • FULL SEA Paint and Decorating store us Ws, you with your dec.ontling pr . We can ease you time end money PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY. MARCH 13. 1996 HCBE briefs Bd. reviews policy A policy regarding student to stu- dent sexual harassment was reviewed by the Education Com- mittee and brought before the Huron County Board of Education at the March 4 meeting. Guidelines included actions which are not acceptable such as: unwelcome and unwanted physical contact, rude jokes or suggestive names such as babe or stud, cat calls, insulting remarks referring to sexual orientation, race, gender, ability or class, bragging about sex- ual prowess, intimidation in the hallways, inscriptions on walls or desks such as 'for a good time call..' and stalking. Actions not included in sexual harassment are ones such as hugs between friends, mutual flirtation or sincere and personal compli- ments. It is the intent of the HCBE to provide an environment which is supportive of both academic progress and personal goals, digni- ty and self-esteem and where all students are able to work free of sexual harassment of a visual, ver- bal or physical nature. With great co-operation from the Ontario Public School Board Asso- ciation, the employee federations and the Human Resources commit- tee, the Huron County Board of Education announced a new staffing formula' for the system, at the March 4 meeting. Though specific information could not be revealed due to the personal nature of the matter, com- mittee chair, Trustee Don McDon- ald, representing Brussels and Grey Twp., said the formula would result in considerable savings. Joanne Wareham, wife of Super- intendent Ralph Wareham, who passed away recently, spoke to the board. She thanked them for their support and for giving "Ralph the opportunity to do what he loved for more than 25 years, work with and for the children." *a*** The commitment to support adult and continuing education programs, provided the requirement for local share can be maintained at a rea- sonable level, was renewed by the board. There was concern expressed regarding the ability to keep the local share down when funding is uncertain. Superintendent Chuck Rowland said the aim is to reduce that share as was done in 1995. It was esti- mated the local share would be $359,791 (64.7 per cent of the cost), but the actual total was only $259,257 (56.4 per cent). ***** The board voted to continue its financial support for the Seaforth and District Marching Band and the Blyth/Belgrave School Fair. County briefs Continued from page 7 co-ordinator for the county's fire departments. The position is held by the fire chief of one of the coun- ty departments to co-ordinate activ- ities of all departments in case one needs assistance from the others. The county's support will go to the municipality that provides the ser- vice to pay for the extra costs involved.