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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-04-08, Page 11 NO. 14 121 YEARS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987 Educator shares knowledge By David Emslie There was a full house, at the Clinton Public School on April 6 when the Federa- tion of Women Teachers Association (FWTAO) hosted a public meeting on primary education. More than 200 parents, teachers, education trustees and other pro- fessionals attended. The main speaker for the evening was the director of the Early Primary Education Project of the Ministry of Education, Fran Poleschuk. Miss Poleschuk is currently on a province wide tour discussing the problems of primary education with enterested groups. "I will share with you some things I had the privilege of learning in 38 years as a teacher and educator," she began. She discussed a book on toddlers and noted that in this country where everyone is equal, toddlers can not drive, drink or at- tend x -rated movies, they cannot attend col- lege and they have 100 per cent unemploy- ment. She used these points to demonstrate that children can't storm Queen's Park to demand better education, therefore it is the adults' task. While she has worked for so many years with children, she noted her hobby is still children watching. "I'm 'always astounded at their capabilities. Something that always comes through is children are capable of much more than we think," she said. The subject of how to make children smarter was next touched on. Miss Poleschuk explained there are several theories about the development of children's intellectual skills, but one she believes in is that a parent should find the most lovable characteristic of a child and build on it. She again read from a book to prove this point. "Only when we see and enjoy children for what they are, not what we hope they can be, can we really facilitate their learning," she read. "The period between birth to eight is the most vigorous developmental stage. At no stage do children learn as much as they do at that time," she continued. As an example of this growth Miss Poleschuk pointed out that by age four, children have 50 per cent of their problem solving skills, and they have gained another 20 per cent by age eight. Prior to beginning their school career, children have accomplished much in the Following her speech at the Federation of Women Teachers' Association public meeting, held at Clinton Public School on April 6, Fran Poleschuk was approached by many in- terested parties with questions. She is seen above (left) fielding questions with Huron WTA President Mary Moffatt. (David Emslie photo) way of learning. They will usually have an attitude towards learning, as well as some learning patterns. Aside from these points a child will have learned to walk, and talk, will have developed a personality, and will have a basic sense of reading and mathematics. "All these accomplishments, they did with you. You did what came naturally, and gave all the support possible," she told the gathered teachers, parents and school board officials. However, once the child reaches Grade 1 the parents suddenly have expectations, like a child should be reading by the end of that grade. "Some children move at a slower pace, they are late starters. It is not helping when the child knows they are not pleasing us," Miss Poleschuk explained. The stage of learning development were Education costs $44.5 By Shelley McPhee Haist Huron County taxpayers will face a 6.9 per cent hike in their contributions to the public education system in 1987. The Huron County Board of Education (HCBE ), at a special meeting in Clinton on March 30, approved its 1987 budget of $44.5 -million, an increase of about 9.7 per cent over last year's budget of $40.8 -million. To elementary based taxpayers with the average assessment of $3,110, the budget will mean that they will pay $284.85 for education in 1987, up from the 1986 figure of $261.46. In the secondary panel the average taxpayer will contribute $205.68 this year, as compared to $197.33 in 1986. The school board will be going to the municipalities in Huron County for more than $14 -million in 1987. At the elementary level, Huron municipalities will be asked to contribute over $8 -million, and the secon- dary school levy will be $5.9 -million. In total the 1987 budget for the Huron County Board of Education adds up to $44,562,745 and includes special projects that will total more than $424,000. Trustees at the two -and -a -half hour special board meeting dealt with the basic budget, then considered 21 special project proposals that were approved in short order. The most expensive and top priority item on the special project list will see a $105,000 expenditure from the elementary panel in 1987 to pay for the replacement costs of the heating plant at Vanastra Public School. This proposal represents phase one of a six year plan to renovate the Vanastra Public School facility. The initial work will see hot water boiler system replaced with a natural gas heating service. No government grants are available for the work. Over the next five years, board trustees will be looking at future special project ex- penditure proposals for Vanastra Public School, each estimated to run in the range of $50,000. Future renovation work will see the replacement of windows and doors, new flooring the lighting and upgrading of the fire alarm system. In stressing the importance of the heating system replacement, trustee Tony McQuail noted that the present system is "burnt out." He further suggested, "Updating the heating system will mean a long term payback in energy savings over the next 20 years." Another major expenditure this year will see the replacement of the roof on the 1971 wing of the Seaforth Public School, for a price of $40,000. This cost will be borne by the elementary panel. The proposal for this project noted that the serious deterioration of the 14,500 square roof area has meant short term repairs ex- ceeding $5,000 in 1986. The perennial leak problems are directly above the school library and the primary wing. Wet carpeting takes more than a week todry and examined in the presentation, beginning with infants. An infant has a network of senses, and powerful energy. This is evident when watching an infant as they use their whole body when reaching for something, wiggling their bodies and reaching with their hands and feet. "What the child creates is a little world of objects, the bottle, a familiar face and a toy," she noted. The next stage in the growth is that of the toddler. As toddlers have the mobility not available to infants, they have many new areas of discovery. MissPoleschuk stated, "That child is discovering the potential of a wonderful body." At this stage the child also develops the ability to classify information. From here, language enters the development, as Turn to page 2 the potential for serious book damage has been cited. This project is not eligible for ministry of education funding but is seen by the board as a major priority in 1987. Attention will also be given to the removal of unused fuel tanks at six schools - Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton, Goderich District Collegiate Institute, South Huron District High School in Exeter, Seaforth District High School, Exeter Public School and McCurdy Public School. Costing $50,000 in total, this project is recommended in response to changes in the Environmental Assessment Act which re- quire the removal of unused fuel tanks formerly required for oil supply to school heating plants. Negotiations are continuing with officials from the Ministry of the En- vironment to minimize costs to the HCBE. Some $56,700 will be allocated in 1987 to establish new technological studies pro- grams in three secondary schools. At Central Huron Secondary School (CRSS) in Clinton $30,000 will go towards the re -development of the existing Family Studies facility to incorporate multi-year programming into the technological studies program at CHSS. This project reflects a recognition of the importance of food ser- vices in employment opportunities for graduates of such programs. A large number of students have expressed an in- terest in the proposed program. The $`30,000 cost of this program will he of- fset by revenues accumulated from the sale of the machine shop and technological equipment from CHSS in 1984 ($36,890) and through funds from the sale of Part Lot 70, a portion of residential property formerly part of the CHSS athletic field ($13,600). At Seaforth District High School, $21,700 will go towards the development of a multi - shop technical facility. This will accom- modate students at all levels of difficulty and will incorporate components normally found in several shop areas in larger secon- dary schools. At Goderich District Collegiate institute, $5,000 will be spent to make minor building changes to allow spaces for instruction in furniture refinishing and painting and decorating, and to provide additional spaces for an expanded auto program. This work will also complement building changes to accommodate the senior students with challenging learning needs formerly located at Victoria Public School. Other special projects will see $5,000 used to support alcohol and drug education pro- grams; $14,000 for the replacement of the HCBE courier van, $26,950 for the full com- puterization of _ financial services at the HCBE Education Centre and an additional $30,000 for temporary personnel hirings to implement the new service. Also noteworthy is a $15,000 allotment for late bus proposals, whereby secondary sehools may apply to the board for funding td offer limited late bus scheduling as a million Subdivision proposal brought to By Anne Narejko CLINTON - A proposal for the town to enter into a subdivision agreement was brought to council by Ron Demers and Eric Christensen on April 6. The proposal, had the expenses split 58 per cent paid by the contractors and 42 per cent by the town. The location for the subdivision is behind John Street, on the former Andrew's sub- division property. In his presentation to council, Mr. Demers said the subdivision would consist of four four-plexes with the remainder of the land used for single fami- ly dwellings. During the first phase of plans, 24 lots would be involved. In determining the percentage split bet- ween themselves and the town, Mr. Demers said he selected items for the town which would not have to be done for two or three years, except for hydro installation. If the proposal went through, this would mean the town would be responsible for the installation of storm sewers, curbs, gutters and asphalt. Mr. Demers and Mr. Christensen would take care of sanitary sewers, the water main and services and the roadways, including the gravel. Mr. Demers also said they will plan to • start six lots this year if they get the go ahead soon. "I think we've gone our limit if we do this," he said. Mayor John Balfour told council that in council the past, the town has held the develo r r responsible for 100 per cent cost •_ -he work.,r "But Clinton isn't in the luxurious posi- tion to sit back. I believe we have to com- promise," he said. Clerk Marie Jefferson said she tried to contact other municipalities to see what type of agreements, if any, they make with contractors. The only town she could get a hold of was Seaforth and their officials said contractors in their town pay 100 per cent of the costs. After Mr. Demers and Mr. Christensen left the council chambers, Mayor Balfour said he felt the percentage mix was still "a little high." "I'd like to see a half way meeting on the electrical expenses, or some partial meeting," he said. Referring to spending municipal money for a project such as this, Mayor Balfour reiterated his position, saying, "If we hold to 100 per cent (cost to the developer), we're going to discourage construction. They're very realistic, as much as I hate to see municipal money used." Other council members seemed to think a different type of deal could be made with Mr. Demers and Mr. Christensen that would not cost the public money. But since they had not yet had time to give the mat- ter indepth thought, no decision was made. New employee hired at municipal office CLINTON - A new junior accounting clerk has been hired at th'e municipal of- fice here, replacing Sandra Beisel who resigned her position in early March. Janisse Zimmerman will commence work on April 21. The town had a total of 31 applicants for the position. Of that number, Clerk Marie Jefferson, Deputy Clerk Ken Holmes and chairman of general government John Cochrane, selected six to be interviewed. Council announced the hiring of Mrs. Zimmerman at their April 6 meeting, at Which time they set her starting salary at $15,500 and a probation period of six mon- ths. After the six months, her salary will be increased to $16,000. means to allow students to participate in co - curricular activities. Another $10,000 will go to health and safety repair of field and playground equipment and $8,000 will be us- ed to support communications and public relations work. The special projects included in this year's budget are part of a detailed report of estimates. In 1987 the elementary expen- ditures are expected to run at $2.3,798,215, up 8.9 per cent from the 1986 figure of $22,052,531. At the secondary school level, the expen- ditures for 1987 will be $20,764,530, as com- pared to $18,576,385 in the year previous for an increase of 4.2 per cent. While expenditures in the 1987 budget are up over previous years, th director of education Bob Allan said that&his year he is encouraged by additional financial support given by the provincial government. Additional French instruction at the public school level has meant additional grant money, amounting to $556,782 which is some $94,000 more than received in 1986. Various other monies from the province amount in total to $15,00L157 in 1987. At the secondary level, grant money has been awarded to the HCBE for various education initiatives, including $72,897 for the continuing education programs, $15,000 for the Ties to Business and Industry pro- gram and $39,600 for the Co-op Education. In total the provincial contribution to the 1987 financial program for the HCBE secondary schools is $11,865,734. Mr. Allan said be was encouraged by this year's budget and the provincial input. He noted, "The provincial share hasn't quite kept pace, but they have put up a good amount of money this year. I'm encouraged by this." He -suggested that the additional govern- ment support could be due in part to the in- creased enrolment figures within the school system. Enrolment, on the decline since 1971, rose slightly this year. In 1982 the figure in the decline per year column read 260.81. This year the figure reads on the positive side to 10.58. Additional budget and formula changes were seen this year in the reclassification of Roman Catholic students who attend secon- dary schools in Huron County. In 1987 the secondary school residential assessment has dropped $10 million from $99,460,746 in 1986 to $89,685,602. This has meant a decrease of 9.1 per cent in the municipal revenue requirement for 1987. The HCBE will be Feceiving a new revenue, the tax transfer from theioman Catholic board assessment for students in Grades 11-13 amounting to $573,787. As well, the Catholic school board will pay the HCBE $1,829,979 as tuition fees for the some 120 Catholic students who are enrolled in Grade 9 and 10 public seednldary schools. This amounted to $1,095;954 in 1986. Another stipulation was put into the agreement, and stated that Mrs. Zimmer- man should move to town within one year. Mrs. Zimmerman is presently einplo d in London and her husband is workin' in Clinton, therefore, she has expressed a desire to move to town. Promotion Constable Dwight Adams has been pro- moted from third class constable to second class constable in the Clinton Police Department. Passed Probation Clerk -Treasurer Marie Jefferson has passed her six month probation and was officially given her permanent status dur- ing the April 6 council meeting. X2.4 million musuem contract is awarded Huron County Council la:,t week award- ed the contract for the Huron County Pioneer Museum redevelopment project to a London firm. At its regular meeting last Tuesday in Goderich, council gave its approval to a museum committee recommendation to award the contract to Bach -McDougall, Engineers and Contractors at a price tag of $2.4 million. That figure, however, is more than $200,000 lower than the firms original tender - the lowest of three submitted - of $2,606,800. Following the opening of tenders at a meeting on March 19, the committee authorized Project Director Claus Breeds and Architect Christopher Borgal to meet, with the lowest bidder to negotiate reduc- tions in the total tender price. The $2.4 million price is the result. To meet the new price, a number of substitutions and deletions were made in the original tender, some of which could be put back in at a later date should addi- tional funding he confirmed prior to com- pletion of work by the contractor. Mr. Breede, following council's approval of the recommendation, had difficulty sup- pressing his pleasure. "I feel this is a good day for the county," he said. "A dream ap- pears to be on the horizon." Bayfield Reeve Dave .Johnston express- ed some concerns over the changes in con- struction materials from those originally specified. Both Mr. Borgal and the project director agreed with his observation that although some of the deleted items could be re -instated at a later date, some changes were, however, irreversible. To the question of why it was decided to negotiate the adjustments rather than go through the procedure of re -tendering, Mr. Breede told council it would be far too costly. Mr. Borgal said the county would have been faced with an increase in construc-/ tion costs of as high as 25 per cent had re tendering been necessary. In addition, there would have been extra costs incur- red in order to redesign the project. "What you see when you look at this list Ithe negotiated changes) is the 'nice to have' items that are being deleted, " he said. These items have been deleted, he added, "because we felt we had an obliga- tion to bring this project in on target." During the museum committee report, presented by Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell, council was told demolition has already begun to make way for renova- tions and restoration to the museum. Mr. Breede said he is confident the con- tractor will be on the site and ready to pro- ceed in 10 days. In other business related to the museum, Howard Harris of Goderich, Friends of the Huron County Pioneer Museum president, appeared °before council to announce a fund-raising project the group is undertaking. Mr. Harris said the project involves building blocks to be used in the renovation and restoration work, at a price of $5 each. The group hopes to raise at least $10,000 for the museum through the sale, he said, although the ultimate target is twice that figure. he thanked council for its diligence in giving its attention to what was needed at the museum. "Your forethought will go a long way in- to the future," he said. "Our children and grandchildren will reap the reward." CLINTON PUBLIC HOSPITAL BUILDING FUND 0