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WHffBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988, PAGE 3 ByDebbie Luchuk After 35 years in the public education field including the last five as director of education for the Durham Board of Education, Bruce Mather says it will be sometbing like a "trauma" wben be soon leaves take employment in the private sector. He bas worked for tbe Halton Board of Education, the Leeds Grenville board, and the Frontenac board as well as teacbing at ail levels of public education. Working with a medium sized board, Mather took on the director's position as a step up to a larger board. I wanted to move to one of tbe biggest boards in the system, one with a good reputation, and. one where I could make an impact, but not Toronto. Durhamn was a Godsend," Mather said. "Durham was a system where I could bave impact. It was always an excellent system, but it had an inferiority complex next to free spending Metro. I wanted to work with people to develop pride, concentrate on quality of prograrn, and implement staff development opportunities. " The staff that was already bere bad to be convinced how great tbey are." Matber was quite impressed with tbe calibre of tbe staff wben be arrived in Durham. "There are super people in every position, dedicated people, bigh quality, and tbey were very hospitable to me and receptive of my philosophy." Trustees were also highly praised by Mather, wbo said, "The trustees can determine whetber life is beaven or bell." Mather said he tried to keep personal contact witb aIl staff and feit it made a decision in a board of tbis size. He identified a few issues that the new board and new director will bave to address in 1989. I would describe the system as relatively crisis free, but it's going ta reach crisis proportions in tbe next five years or so (in regard ta spaces, funding). I know the ministry will not fund enough of tbe scbools that are needed. "Everything else pales in comparison to that. Only a downturn in the economy and a rise in interest rates will stap development." Also mentioned by Mather was that tbe ministry is discussing pooling of the commercial and industrial tax assessment. "Any study we've done makes us opposed to the concept. If ail of that is put in the provincial pot, tbere is no way we will get tbe same share back." As for the decision to drop The Lord's Prayer, Mather said be could "understand tbe concern of certain parents of strong Christian belief. "But the court decision was going to overcome tbe sbortage. 'Tbere's no way the scbool systemn can pretend to offer perks that tbe big companies can (referring to the loss of teachers to other employment)." The shortage of French immersion and Frencb teachers, Matber believes, should be rectified as French immersion students graduate from teacbing faculties. Mather further noted that the board bas bired 352 teachers this fail. Staff development program- ming is something Mather is quite proud of. will probably be okay ta use it in conjunction witb other prayers." The teacher shortage has been identified as a problem for tbe future in tbe -Durham and other growtb boards. "Supply bas always been cydical. We are understanding that wé didn't do good market projections," Mather said in reference to the problem. "When tbere is a surplus, people go inta other professions, and then tbere is a shortage. It takes the system a while to adjust. We're in a period of recognized shortage, four or five years long. inm not sure bow we're VULETIDEC SATURDAY, il A.M. 'We have nmade tremendous progress, offering programs to groups formerly neglected in staff development (non-teaching staff).' Concurrently, the board bas become noted for its curriculum development, and other boards are using Durham's curriculum and development methods to create their own. 'We have a managed approach to curriculum. Our curriculum cycle is a review of current development of new, revised curriculum and implementations. "At the. provincial workshop last year, people (fromn other boards) just raved about it." The first thing Mather will do when hie leaves in February is to take a holiday. 've been going at it for the last 19 years, and it's time to slow down a bit. The evening work bas been the bane of the job (as director)." He is looking at a variety of options for employment in the private sector, such as consulting, on bis own or with bis company. "It's exciting to feel I have those options, but it will be a trauma to leave public education after 35 years." Mather's term of office ends on Feb. 15, 1989. Before you send i4 seal it... wit a Chrisbnas SeaL OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 10 TO 5 P.M. Join us for tasty malt cider punch and a store full of excitirig ideas for holiday entertaining. At prices that will be specially reduced for this evening anly-from 20% ta 50%o! IWs a remarkable opportunity ta find home fashions yoUr CA to keep- and a few gift ideas for giving. Pite 4 %nO Please join us on aur Yuletide cxpen House, D esv.Dec. 10. Well look forward to enjoying the pleasùre of your company. Sincerely, U&~AU HERHAGE HOUSEIlimited 216 Mary Street, East, Whi tby .. 668-83, 111711 H Mather t o leave director 's post iin Feb. BRUCE MATHER YOiXkDE IN VIIEL)1 OUR jPRE CHRISMAS __SAE WITII ALL TIIE TQIMfflINQ Dear Valued Customer: We'd like ta invite you ta a gliftering, festive G.I.C. Hotline 668-6805 ~ Cail For BestlRates Fumnw Svoes CÙeP 965 Dundas St., W., Ste. 205, Whitby il ý