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Orono W~ekIy Time., Wednesc~y~ Febru~ry 22~ 1095 18 Around, The Board with Bob Willsher Trustee Ward 3 The Board approved in principle a major agreement with IBM to upgrade and expand computers in our Elementary Sehools. The agreement promises to provide students and staff with high quality equipment, maintenance and training. The total service concept of this contract should assist in maximizing the invest.ment. Not everyone agrees with this approach to education. Some would prefer the "old fashioned" textbook approach. Well, the computer will flot eliminate the textbooks from our classrooms. It is just another teaching tool to help teachers communicate concepts and knowledge. The scope of knowledge available through the use of computers could flot be duplicatcd by any school board. To purchase a similar pool of resources would simply bc beyond our means. But this approach won't be cheap either. The current cost is approximately $500,000 per year. I said earlier the contract was approved in principle. Administration must be able to demonstrate the ability, to complete this contract without a significant impact on the taxpayers. If it cannot be accomplished then I am flot sure we can afford it! By lookîng at everything we do we should be able to find savings that can bc directed to this venture which ultimately benefits the students. One of the recommendations from thc Royal Commission was the re-structuring of Secondary Schooi headships. Recommendation number 86 is designed to prompt Boards to have a close look at these positions of responsibility to better reflect today's secondary school programs. In our 1992-94 Collective Agreement with the Sccondary School Federation there was agreement to conduct a rcview of Secondary School headships. Much work has been donc by our board and phase one is duc to go to the Board for approval on March 2. The process has not been easy. Teachers were asked to dismantie a structure that has existed for decades. They wcre askcd to give up something they wcre comfortable with in an effort to create a ncw, more dynamic structure that would better meet the needs of the students. They came through with a plan that I believe will become the model for the Province. The end result is not the brainchild of Administration but teachers thcmselves. 1 doubt the Board will want to change a thing, Clearly our teachers have demonstrated the ability to compromise and sacrifice in Uic interest of students. Thcy have proven that site-based decisions can bc a powerful tool in SRING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1841 FUNERAL SERVICES PRE-ARRANGED & PREPAID "WIhere fProessiona('Etiquette is Important» Funeral Directors Paul R. Morris Robert E. Williams Gary M. Conway Doug R. Rutherford ANSWERING YOUR CALL 24 HOURS 623-5480 4 DIVISION ST. BOWMANVILLE achieving change. Please give me a caîl if you have a problemn or just want to provide some input on.school matters. LOQI< 4-Bedroom Home Renovated 1.7 Acres 3000 sq.ft. Custom DREAM HOME HERE! 1 Acre Country Lot Cal/ me on these super pro perties Kry'qstyna Jones Orono & area's real estate rep. 98-601 Charcte on /2 creRealty-Net Associates (Durham) Inc. REIMAXCONRT E -realty ltd. realtor 623-6000 WinkniQng of seu:ingr' Cati me for a free appraisa( of your property - or to view your potentwf n-w home! SALLYr STAPLES associate broker Everything You've Been Lookîng For ... PRICED AT JUST $1 245500 This immaculate Bowmanville two storey home cornes beautifully finished top-to-bottom and features: " our bedrooms professionally finished rec room " two bathrooms economical gas heat, central air " lovely eat-in kitchen * large laundry room and workshop area " luxurous hunter green carpet * convenient to sohools, shopping and 401 * separate dining room - walk-out to fully fenced yard Excellent Duplex Century Charmer r" Characteron 1/2 Acre