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"WEEKEND STAR" ATR La UFR Gl Ay FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2001 - § Trustees argue over Tory's tax rebate for private schools Debate waged over sending delegation to public hearings By Rik Davie { The Star | A motion to send a delegation from | the local school board to future public | hearings into the provincial tax credit for private school users got mixed reaction from local trustees. The province will be holding public | hearings in Toronto on June 11-14 and | Director of Education Grant Yeo advised Durham District School Board trustees on Monday (June 4) that if the board i wanted to voice its opinion a request was needed as soon as possible. The comments were in reaction to a i memo from the Ontario Public School Board Association asking for boards' views on the move that would see par- | ents opting for private schooling eligible for rebates of up to $3,000 for tuition payments. Oshawa trustee Kathleen Hopper reminded her fellow board members that any student leaving the system for private education represents "a loss in grants of as much as $7,000 per-pupil." Scugog Trustee Martin Demmers wanted to hold off on any decision by | the board. "I think that because the debate is still going on we should perhaps hold off. It might not be appropriate at this time," he said. Nancy Loraine, the Uxbridge-Brock trustee and chair of Monday night's | your children? . standing committee meeting, told Mr. IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE UP Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources Child Care | Registry Do you require Child Care for Demmers to re-read the memo. "Mr. Demmers, if you read.the memo | think you would see that it's pretty clear the province intends to move forward with this. These hearings are the only chance we may have to make our posi- tion known," said Mrs. Loraine. Mr. Demmers told fellow trustees he likes the idea of tax credits for private education. "I think it will make public education stronger," Mr. Demmers said. Catcalls from the small crowd at the meeting greeted Mr. Demmers state- ments. Mrs. Loraine later told The Star sh sees a real risk to the public system from the tax credits. "We: in public education have to be accountable in a very real way for the performance of our schools through provincial testing and curriculum," Mrs. Loraine said. "Anything that would take dollars away threatens our ability to maintain that accountability." Trustees voted to ask staff to make an appointment with the public hearing board. Mr. Demmers was among the three trustees who opposed the motion, which must now be ratified at full board in two weeks. Staff will now put together a position paper on the proposed tax credit and bring it forward to trustees for approval. Canoe The Nonquon- i CHRIS HALL / THE STAR Scugog Mayor Doug Moffatt, left, and former Regional Councillor Ken Gadsden were among those who took part in the 33rd annual Canoe The Nonquon fundraiser last Saturday (June 2) morning. The event raised more than $5,000 for the Lake Scugog Historical Society, and will be used to fund the Scugog Shores Historical Museum. Fax 434-5229 mobile 718-6436 eri "Where Quality and Service Come First cal g Sales, Service & Installations -- Carpet & Upholstery Steam Cleaning - 24 Hour Service Flood & Smoke Damage Emergency Service Shop at Home Service Expert Restretches & Repair Service Port Perry 985-1645 | ITHERAPY-& ARPET | |COUNSELLING Dr. Bill Eull, Ph.D., C.Psych. Psychologist Joyce Eull, R.N. Psychotherapist North Durham Professional Counsello 188 Mary St., Port Perry 985-1130 « 1-800-253-0181 Oshawa 728-6070 KERSTINE SZEDERKENYI Welcoming New Clients Call today and set up an appointment to view our Child Care Registry. There is over 26 names of caregivers in the Uxbridge and surrounding areas. Receive an information package that will help you make the right child care choice. Do you provide Child Care in your home? Join our group of caregivers. Professionals workshops, support line, theme kits and much more. For more Information Contact Jennifer @ 905-852-0637 chronic pain, arthritis, headaches, various injuries and stress relief CERTIFIED IN PREGNANCY MASSAGE Covered by many Extended Health Plans GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE To book your appointment call: 905-852-9238 or 416-316-8503 | | | Pa -------- ars TE SE ------