PAGE 14, WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 27, 1985, WHITBY FREE PRESS Ministry slowing down board's 1985 budget talks By MARC VINCENT Free Press Staff The Durham Board of Education is fighting a bureacratic monster with one arm tied behind its back. The board, struggling through its yearly budget talks, is trying to decide what programs can be afforded next year, which schools need new facilities and how much it is all going to cost. The bureacratic mon- ster otherwise known as the Ontario Ministry of Education, is the om- nipotent force that in the past has provided at least half of the board's budget and requires its approval to any planned expansion. Responsible for raising the half of the budget through taxes, the board is in a difficult position of satisfying community pressure, continuing its pursuit of educational excellence and keep the tax in- crease to a minimum. The board is forging ahead in the budget talks despite setbacks, the most serious of which is the lack of in- formation of next year's grants. According to Ian Brown, Whitby trustee and vice-chairman of the finance committee, the board is expecting a four per cent increase in provincial grants but the ministry is late con- firming the amount with Durham. The lack of infor- mation and an obligation to maintain a schedule has led to frustration by the staff and trustee as they at- tempt to decide what programs have to be funded next year. At a finance commit- tee meeting last week tempers were ragged as trustees examined the proposed budgets for special education, the plant department and the program and curriculum budget. The comnittee ten- tatively approved $18.25 million for special education. The amount is an 18 per cent increase in costs over the last year but is reflective of in- creasing costs and an expansion of the program that the board committee itself to last year. David French, one of the trustees believed it was necessary to protect the existing program and it was un- thinkable to cut the program. The amount given also does not include other features of special education including such departments as speech pathology and psychological services. The committee also approved a 5.2 per cent increase in secondary school plant budget and an 11.6 per cent increase in the elementary budget. Part of the reason of an increase in plant budget was a 30 per cent rise in absenteeism. "The abnormally high absenteeism is a serious problem," admitted Jim Russell, plant department superinten- dent, "which must be dealtwith strongly." Other reasons for the increase was a rise in utility costs and a 28 per cent increase in gar- bage disposal costs. Hewitt named winner of club By LEE HEWITT Excitement filled the air last Tuesday as members of the Whitby ITC gathered for their annual speech contest at the Whitby Curling Club. OTT EN BRITE M ENS WEAR SU PE R SA L E CONT IN UES..". ON ALL MENS PANTS & COR DUROYS UNTIL STOCK IS CLEAR ED 121 BROCK S. 6831 W HITBY speech Dorothy Hart in- troduced contestants: Alina Lusito, Lee Irwin, Germaine Barr, Lee Hewitt and Ismay Needham, who used all their ITC training to present speeches that entertained, informed and inspired an audien- ce of 45 members and guests. It was a difficult task for the three judges, Val Gardiner, Nancy Climie and Moya Bet- tridge, to choose a win- ner as a five contestan- ts had delivered excep- tionally fine speeches. When the ballots were counted, the results were announced by president Betty Dubowski: second run- contest ner-up, Alina Lusito; first runner-up, Ger- maine Barr; and the winner of the 1985 Whit- by ITC Speech Contest was, Lee Hewitt. Althea Darwen awar- ded here the trophy for her speech about the original meanings of nursery rhymes. Hewitt will be going to Bracebridge on April 13 to compete in the Coun- cil 2 speech contest. This meeting was not only a competition, but also a celebration. This meeting marked the 5th birthday of the club and many of its charter members attended the reunion. Thé highlight of the birthday party, was the prsentation of a book entitled, 'Whitby Toastmistress Club - Our Story'. The book, a five year history of the club, was given to all charter members by charter president Jean- nette Etter. The evening had been a spectacular affair. Mayor Bob Attersley, who attended the speech contest, commented on the high quality of the speeches and how the club had progressed. It was a unique oppor- tunity to witness the benefits of ITC training and the special bond that members have who join this inter- national organization. The next meeting of the Whitby ITC will be on Tues., March 5, 100 Blair St. at 7 p.m. For more information call Lee Hewitt at 666-1840. EDITORiS NOTE: Lee Hewitt is the public relations chairman of the Whitby Toast- mistress Club. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Auberge Shelter for abused women and their children is in need of volunteers to assist with their day and evening support programs. Orientation and training sessions will be provided. , Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is asked to call 728-7313. LEADERS NEEDED The Whitby District Boy Scout Council is looking for people to volunteer as leaders for cubs and scouts. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Bill Stahlbaum at 723-7983. IT'S HEREI SAVE UP TO 30% OFF STARLING'S ANNUAL ABOVE GROUND POOL SALE Typewnitert RENTALS als o S A LE S& S E RVIC E