D16
T HE VA N C O U V E R C O U R I E R F R I D AY, A P R I L 3 0 , 2 0 1 0
Dashboard
The Vancouver Courier’s Automotive Section runs each FRIDAY
Check the back of our paper behind the classified section for the latest in dealership offers and articles on popular models.
Colour Lock® Technology for superior fade resistance
Its brilliant colour lasts year after year, even in the toughest environments. No wonder it’s guaranteed for life.
benjaminmoore.ca
BROADWAY DECORATING CENTRE 1838 West Broadway 604.734.4131 DUNBAR PAINT CENTRE 3601 West 16th Ave. 604.224.0421 KERRISDALE DECORATING CENTRE 6111 West Boulevard 604.264.9255 YALETOWN DECORATING CENTRE 1231 Pacific Blvd. 604.687.2560 CLARK PAINT CENTRE 1073 Clark Drive 604.255.1800 ©2010 Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. Aura, Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited.
news
Board chair skeptical of special adviser
School board stalls budget pending provincial review Naoibh O’Connor Staff writer
In a last-minute decision, the Vancouver School Board was expected Thursday night to postpone passing its final budget until later in June. The decision was expected at a board meeting after the Courier’s print deadline, but board chair Patti Bacchus confirmed trustees were likely to pass a motion deferring the budget decision, while proposed staff layoffs would go ahead to conform with collective agreement requirements. If the district’s financial situation changes, staff could be rehired at a later date. In the meantime, senior staff can make staffing decisions for the next school year. The school district faces a $16.33 million budget shortfall. Although the board usually passes its budget by the end of April because of requirements in its collective agreements, it actually has until June 30 to present its final budget to the ministry. Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid appointed a special adviser—B.C. Comptroller General Cheryl Wenezenki-Yolland—to examine the school board’s financial performance earlier this month, but her report isn’t due until the end of May. “This is the last glimmer—we just weren’t ready to give up. It’s not OK and until we know we’ve exhausted every option for averting some or all of these cuts [we won’t
“WE’RE TOLD SHE’S HERE TO HELP US AND WHILE WE’RE NOT OVERLY OPTIMISTIC THAT’S GOING TO BE THE CASE, IT’S BETTER THAN NOTHING.” Patti Bacchus
give up],” Bacchus said early Thursday morning. “It is an exceptional situation with the special adviser in. We’re told she’s here to help us and while we’re not overly optimistic that’s going to be the case, it’s better than nothing. It gives us a reason to think there could be something different on the table come June.” On Tuesday, the district presented its revised preliminary budget proposal based on comments and lobbying from the public, staff, student and parent groups. The proposal reflects the additional $1.79 million from the adjusted budget shortfall, which dropped from $18.12 to $16.33 million. It reduced the proposed teacher cuts by 25.9 fulltime equivalent positions. Most are under the nonenrolling teacher category, which includes librarians, counsellors, ESL and special education teachers. “This is still a manage-
GRAND OPENING WEEKEND $2.1 Million Value
2 Tickets OFonly $50. r
• 6 for $100 •16 for $250 EASY ORDER
Win this Spectacular Grand Prize Home (Now Open)
On-Line HeroesLottery.com
OR Win Millennium Water Luxury Home (Opens Soon)
604-648-4376 Buy in Person at the Grand Prize Home, VGH &
OR Take the Cash Option
GRAND PRIZE: Family Living in South Surrey 14635 – 28A Avenue. NOW OPEN daily Noon ~ 6pm.
The grand prize winner will choose one grand prize option; the other grand prize options will not be awarded. Chances are 1 in 390,000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
ment budget, our senior management recommendations to us based on feedback and some input from us,” Bacchus explained. “Had we gone ahead [Thursday night], I know there would have been further changes from trustees—there would have been amendments based on what trustees want, but I don’t believe those [amendments] will go ahead at this point— perhaps later.” Anne Guthrie Warman, president of the Vancouver Secondary Teachers’ Association, said staffing decisions couldn’t be delayed. “The only issue for us was the staffing and respecting the collective agreement,” she said. “We would never get schools staffed in time if we waited until June.” Julianne Doctor, District Parent Advisory Committee chair, said she was surprised but pleased to hear the final budget decision would be delayed. “The board made it clear they weren’t looking forward to doing this,” she said. “It gives us the opportunity to keep the pressure on [the government].” noconnor@vancourier.com
Know your limit, play within it.
Rules of Play: HeroesLottery.com
BC Gaming Event Licence #23769
19+ to play!