June 6, 1998
NO APOLOGY TO BOARDEDUCATION MINISTER REFUSES TO SAY HE WAS WRONG
Mar commissioned the $165,000 review nearly a year ago after complaining the board was too bureaucratic. "I would never apologize for being critical of a board as long as that criticism is constructive -- I've never questioned the motives of the trustees," Mar said yesterday of the 46-page report. "This has been a very constructive exercise." After the study began, the board improved by reviewing its space requirements, consulting with parents and explaining its collaborative learning communities, he said. "I think because of these issues raised by the school board and by the public, the school board has responded in a positive way." The seven-member review committee was chaired by Greg Melchin. They found the school system is burdened by an average per-teacher cost that is $2,783 higher than the provincial average, adding $14.6 million a year to its $560-million budget. Teachers are paid more because they have more training and experience, according to the report. "We need a review of the funding framework -- it disadvantages some boards and ours is the primary one that's disadvantaged," said Tilston, adding her board is already trying to cut costs. Mar said the board must make-do with increases in instructional grants. Calgary Liberal MLA Gary Dickson had called on Mar to apologize to the board in light of the report. "What makes me so angry is to see all the innuendo by the province about the (board) exposed for the fabrication it was." Next Story: CLARK SEEKS MAYOR'S JOB Previous Story: NEAR MID-AIR CRASH SPARKS SHAKEUP
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