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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1999-10-27, Page 5Lucan .resident and event master of ceremonies Bill Haskett writes down a bid in the silent auction portion of the Harvest Hop, held in Lucan last Friday at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre.According to organizer Sue Haskett $14,000 was raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association and 300 people attended.The evening included a live auction, dancing and a late night buffet.The item that brought in the highest bid was a solid maple hall stand which was auc- tioned for $It000. Bill Haskett said organizers were pleased with the results of the evening and described it as "very successful." (photo/Scott Nixon) Wednesday, October 27, 1999 Exeter Times -Advocate Parents speak out cie potential school closures By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE T -A SEAFORTH — At its meeting on Oct. 12, the Avon Maitland District School Board got a taste of what it may face as it seeks to shut schools in Huron and Perth Counties. Two concerned parents made presentations at the meeting, imploring the board to consider all options before closing schools. "I don't believe we only have two options," said Mike Brine, both a parent and chair of the community-based school council for South Perth_ Centennialelementary school, west of St. Marys. Brine was referring to suggestions made by board officials, at an inform ation meeting earlier this month, that Avon Maitland must either close schools or see a decrease in the quality of the education it offers. "Why not reorganize our administration right now and save the money before we decide to close the schools?" Brine asked. He said elementary schools could share senior administration, such as principals and vice - principals, .to cut staffing costs. He also suggested the board : strive to boost enrollment dollars by providing • ; unique programs, such. as a co- op program , . .where students run, -their 'own business, to attract students who might, otherwise, attend school ' in other boards. 1 don't believe our problem is that -ire have too much space," . : he said. "I believe our problem is that we don't have enough money," to fill those spaces with the types . `of programs people. expect. The • format of the meeting didn't allow for a question and answer period with board staff or trustees, but Brine's speech did inspire a response from the board. Director of education Lorne Rachlis said the board had already cut administration as much as possible without closing schools. And when a second concerned parent, Daniel Gill, gave a short presentation asking why enrollment had plunged so significantly, trustee Donald Brillinger commented on the general depopulation of rural areas. These two presentations, however, are probably the tip of the iceberg for the board as it moves closer to closing schools. Board staff is on the road across Huron and Perth meeting with the public while delivering information sessions about potential closur and the public still },.,, the chance to appear s delegations in several board meetings before decisions are made. Avon Maitland officials hope to avoid the public anger they faced last year over the issue, but Brine warned them Tuesday that emotions will run high over the coming months. He even admitted some of that passion might have irrational origins. When he was a child attending South Perth, he said, his pride in his own school made him believe it was better than nearby North Ward school (now Arthur Meighen) in St. Marys. Now, as his children attend South Perth and wonder if they'll be forced to attend Arthur Meighen, that belief remains. "Its not rational but its still there," Brine said, urging the board to recognize the emotions which surround the issue. 5 The Garrison Safety Squad will be at Canadian Tire to offer FREE home safety and security demonstrations plus home safety tips and valuable information ori: N. Carbon monoxide detectors _= Fire extinguishers 9 NO Smoke alarms J 4 .a* Home security et Yf SECURE YOUR HOME YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FUTURE. Wed., Nov. 3 & Thurs., Nov. 4 100 Thames Road East, Exeter Ont. NOM 1S3 235-0160