The School District’s Chopping List

March 30, 2010

Support for vulnerable students and busing are just a couple of the areas that are considered optional – and might therefore be on the chopping block – in School District 79’s budget.

The breakdown of what’s considered core and what’s not was put on the table during the district’s first finance committee budget meeting last Wednesday.

All staff and services in the “core” category will remain funded in the district’s $70-million budget, while the finance committee will now determine which pieces in the “other” category wi ll be funded or cut.

While secretary-treasurer Bob Harper stressed staff and services put in the “other” column was not a reflection of worth, several trustees and representatives from district partner groups were dismayed to see virtually all district administrators placed under the “core” heading in the document prepared by district administrators.

Harper explained core services were determined by Ministry of Education mandate, plus those staff members and services are necessary for efficient, effective or sustainable operation of the school district.

“My take on it is that there aren’t any more cuts to be made. There isn’t anything else to cut,” baffled Lake Cowichan parent Deb Martel said.

With her finger always on the pulse of the school board, Martel is one of about 10 locals who make up the Friends of Cowichan Kids group that strives to make sure that a decent level of education is available locally.

After some severe cuts last year, Martel said the shoestrings are so tight in local schools that there’s nothing she can imagine cutting. With the school district grappling with a funding shortfall of about $3 million for the 2010/2011 year, the district will have to cut from the “other” category in some way.

In this “other” column are more than 30 teaching positions, funding for elective courses like sewing and woodworking, and the $1.78 million spent on transportation.

With kids from all over the Lake Cowichan area being bused out to AB Greenwell due to the school closure in Lake Cowichan, Martel worries about whether or not parents will be able to continue sending their kids to school should they cut bus service.

“It’s time for the trustees and administration to stand up for our kids,” Martel said.

Options around busing include cutting it entirely, reducing it to transport students only to their “home” school rather than an out-of-catchment choice school if applicable, busing special needs students only, or charging a fee for service.

Meanwhile, committee member Duncan Brown pointed out that administration at the office and school level costs the district about $8 million.

No decisions or motions came out of the meeting, which was strictly informational.