100 Mile House Free Press, July 30, 2014

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108 Airport Fun days B1 $1.30 includes GST

July 30, 2014

Two Sections, 40 pages

100milefreepress.net

School board suggests external review

JETTING FOR THE FINISH

Fire chief welcomes new recruits

Carole Rooney Free Press

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The voice of the South Cariboo since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net Gaven Crites photo

Raven Gentry, 17, with horse Streaking Jet, was one of close to 120 riders running in the Cariboo Turn-N-Burn barrel races at the 100 Mile & District Outriders Club grounds on July 26-27.

School District #27 (SD27) trustees have asked Premier Christy Clark and Education Minister Peter Fassbender to give “serious consideration” to an external, independent review of class size and composition issues. SD27 chair Tanya Guenther says they made this recommendation in an attempt to help resolve the ongoing labour dispute with teachers because the school district has had its own past successes in finding problem solutions by having consultants perform outside reviews. “We found it very helpful. [Like] many people, we are frustrated with the current stalemate in the position. “Class size and composition are the key items that need to get resolved – it’s one of the biggest challenges we are facing with this bargaining.” The letter, signed by Guenther on behalf of the board, notes if both the government and the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation were to commission the review, then its results could not be considered biased. “As the labour dispute drags on, optimism is waning and we look to your government to resolve the dispute as soon as possible,” the letter states. “The students, par-

ents and employees have borne the pressure of this conflict for the last decade. This means a student entering Grade 10 this year has been exposed to a war zone of teachers’ and support staff ’s constant battles with government.” Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers’ Association president Murray Helmer says he is “a little disappointed” by the trustee’s suggestion class size and composition be studied by a third party. “It’s basically speaking to the offer government put forward to have a committee struck to look at the importance of class size and composition.” He adds the trustees have access to all classrooms in the district and, therefore, must know the smaller the class, the more individual time that can be spend with students. “This is not an issue that requires further studying at this point. “So, I’m a little disappointed our school district didn’t come out more strongly and [tell] the government this is something all school districts around the province need – funding and resources to deal with students with special needs to address their educational issues.” Guenther says the ongoing labour conflict can only result in a negative affect on the children’s education experience. Continued on A7


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