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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1999-04-07, Page 5Wednesday. April 7, 1999 '-.-..,. Exeter Times—Advocate In the News Liberal candidate listens. to concerns about education by Michele Greene MITCHELL - Huron and Perth school boards have felt the pinch of the Conservative govern- ment's education policies. Last Wednesday, local people wanted to make sure a Liberal govern- ment wouldn't treat the area the same way. About 125 people turned out for a presenta- tion by Liberal education critic and Fort Williams MPP Lyn McLeod in Mitchell last week. "I am passionately committed to public edu- cation," she said. She also promised a . $2.1 billion investment In education and health care if the Liberals win the next election. McLeod saidshe believes public education is at risk under the Conservative govern- ment. She criticized the government's school clo- sure policy, which almost resulted in the closing of 600 schools across Ontario, including about 20 schools in the Avon Maitland District School Board. "When people in this area protested in large numbers, the government said 'we will give you a year and some funding.' But they didn't change the policy, that requires every school to have 100 per cent capacity," she said. Michael Brine of the South Perth Centennial parent council, asked the former leader of the provincial Liberal party if her party would equalize the funding so boards across the province receive the same amount of fuaciing per pupil. McLeod said that's what the Conservatives promised to do, referring to the new funding for- mula intended to be fair to all boards. She said a Liberal gov- ernment would be more flexible with its funding, recognizing the different needs of boards across the province. "You can't fund rural boards in the same way you fund urban boards," said McLeod. "We need the money here because we faced the closure of one-third of our schools. The con- cerns 1 have stem from trustee meetings and watching trustees in tears because they know there isn't enough money," responded Brine, whose school was selected for possible closure. McLeod assured Brine that schools would not be closed if they are the only school in the community. Avon Maitland District School Board chairperson Wendy Anderson asked if McLeod would Increase the number of trustees on the newly amalgamated boards. "We have some cbr- ners in our board that are feeling sorely under- represented," she said. "Yes. You shouldn't have to dial a long dis- tance number to talk to your trustees," responded McLeod. The new curriculum for secondary school: ,stu- dents is expected . to be implemented. for Grade 9 students this fall. McLeod promised Stratford Northwestern Secondary School principal Bart Brown a transitional year to allow for implementa- tion if her party forms the next government. "We would like to see secondary school reform delayed so implementa- tion would be smoother. That would be a benefit to students," he said. Perth -Middlesex Liberal candidate John Wilkinson said the local riding asso- ciation has four offices open in the riding. THE GM GOODWRENCH ONE-TWO TIRE SALE UNIROYAL TIGER PAW ASC 14" One rre For Two Tires For $11 95 P185/75R 14WW ■ Price includes installation, balancing, valve stems, lifetimc r ot3tion, 80,000 km wear rating and road hazard warranty. Available at participating dealers. Call 1 -800 -GM -Drive. Bring us your bald, your air -challenged, your treadless. We'II replace'em for you,