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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2001-12-12, Page 3Pre- Chrlstmas SALE 30 0/ ALL CHRISTMAS OFF STOCK IN -STOCK ITEMS ONLY! Hurry for best selection! • Tree Ornaments • Wreaths • Christmas Silk Arrangements Forbes FLOWER MAGIC 36 Main St., Seaforth 527-1110 'Excluding Plants THE HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMBER 12, 2001-3 News Education critic speaks out against funding formula Gerard Kennedy visits high school in Avon Maitland board By Andy Bader Mitchell Advocate Editor The role of democracy in ancient Greece and political choices made during the Great Depression were all briefly touched upon by MPP Gerard Kennedy during his hour-long visit to the Mitchell District High School (MDHS) last Friday morning, but Kennedy, the Liberal Education Critic at Queen's Park, also had time to admonish the reigning Conservatives for their controversial rural funding policy. The current rural school funding formula actually makes school boards such as the Avon Maitland District School Board "sacrifice" schools. "It's completely inequitable and unfair," he said after visiting with two classes of MDHS, Gr. 10 Civics and Gr. 11 History. "It's wrong and it doesn't make sense. "We need to take a fresh look at this." Kennedy, MPP for Parkdale-High Park, spent the better part of the day in Perth County, visiting with four local schools and Andy Bader photo Gerard Kennedy, MPP for Parkdale-High Park riding in Toronto, visited Perth -Middlesex last Friday, taking time to speak to four area schools including these students from Mitchell District High School (MDHS). Kennedy, the Liberal Education Critic, answered questions touching on the current curricula they are presently studying, but he also took time to criticize the government's school funding formula which he says "sacrifices" schools. attending two political events organized by the Perth - Middlesex Provincial Liberal Association. During his rather interactive address to the two classes, he touched on the high tuition fees at Ontario colleges and universities, the current high school curriculum which he said was rushed into action by the hard-pressed Conservatives prior to the last election, and school closings in general. "The local community should be able to decide [about their schools], not anyone else," Kennedy said, reiterating that the current funding formula does not allow sufficient funds to retain schools if they are not funded at 100 per cent capacity. Student Krysta Nesbitt said closing high schools is not just about education, noting that your entire set of friends are threatened and teachers need to get to know the students and vice versa. "It may be a little thing but it will be just like starting all over again," she said. "So you can understand what's happening in Seaforth, then," remarked Kennedy. "One formula for the entire province is not working. It's more than four walls, and it's more about who is there." Later, during addressing media questions, Kennedy said permanent decisions on closing schools should not be made during this time in the current provincial government's mandate, saying the politicking behind the scenes to replace Premier Mike Harris is taking away the focus of the Tories. "It's a poor time to be making permanent decisions or the fact that Queen's Park has an itch and wants it scratched." Kennedy urged the local school communities of the schools threatened by closure to rally together and aid the Liberals "and be part of the solution. "If you have a disposition, now's the time to show it." Healthy Futures program seeing septic systems repaired Huron County's Healthy Futures program is fixing up more septic systems in the county than originally bargained for. This led county council to pass a motion at its Nov. 29, meeting to increase the allotment towards septic systems under the program by another $150,000. The percentage of total grants approved and recommended to date (September to November inclusive) is nearing the estimated total grant dollars for septic systems. In the original application to the province for funding the county had to allot dollar amounts to each category of the Healthy Futures grant. The county had allotted $500,000 towards septic system improvements but 84 per cent of this money, which was supposed to last until March 2003, has already been granted. Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek, chair of the Agriculture, Public Works and Seniors Committee, said at their last meeting of the Technical Review Committee they had approved another 75-80 more applications, which included another 25 applications for septic system improvements. The county received $2.5 million in funding from the provincial Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture program in July. The cost-sharing program focuses on improving water quality and includes: septic systems, nutrient management plans, cropland plans, wellhead protection, plugging abandoned wells, erosion control structures, fragile land retirement, ponds for irrigation purposes and alternate cattle drinking facilities, livestock restriction to watercourses, clean water diversion, livestock washwater treatment and disposal, manure monitoring systems and manure spreading equipment modification. By Sarah Caldwell Ira $100 toward what you do best. Helping your family. The Ontario government is pleased to provide a one-time tax-free payment of $100 per child for low -and -middle-income working families with children under age seven. Use it for what you do best — taking care of your family. A slowing economy is particularly difficult for lower-income working families so this one-time payment is going where it is needed. Eligibility is based on family income, children under age seven and qualifying for the Ontario Child Care Supplement for Working Families in November 2001. You will be automatically notified by mail if you're eligible. For more information, please call toll-free: English: 1.800.263.7965 French: 1.800.668.5821 Teletypewriter: 1.800.263.7776 Or visit www.rev.gov.on.ca/images/irie_occs-guide.pdf Ontario 1 00 �hzistn2as SEAFORTH BEGINNINGS Dean Robinson gives us a look at our town's people, streetscapes & events from the 1940's through the 1960's. UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD Julian Sher has written this latest book about the Steven Truscott case revealing new evidence in his defense. (limited copies available) IULiSH SHCR JESSE'S JOURNEY A Canadian Story Written by Jesse's father, John Davidson, reserve this inspiring story today. 'Books will be available for sale in mid-January. (a small deposit will reserve your copy) $39195 Hard Cover THE GREAT ONTARIO TRIVIA CHALLENGE A fun way to create conversation between generations. Makes a great Christmas gift) AUTHOR SIGNING Stocking Stuffer Saturday December 22 2 - 4 pm with John Melody Author of STAR OF COURAGE THE AREA'S BEST SELECTION OF NEW & USED BOOKS! * Special Orders Welcome * 57 Main Street, Seaforth 527-2153 emoil: pogssepulp•fiction.com