News Leader News for November 20, 2006
SCHOOL FEES ISSUE STILL UNFOLDING
It's a safe bet to say School District 58 School Trustees and staff are still figuring out what does and does not qualify as a chargeable school fee.
Treasurer Bruce Tisdale says this district is in an interesting position.
"The fee structure we have here is not as severe as in other places."
However, he did say until more information is gathered, the picture isn't entirely clear.
"There will not be an elimination of fees," although many items not charged for in the past will not be charged in the future.
An example was a student taking woodworking class builds a birdhouse with the standard grade lumber provided as part of the course. This is not chargeable, however, if the student wishes to make their birdhouse out of a higher grade of lumber, then that extra cost would have to be covered by the student. Another example was reeds used in music programs would have to be paid for by the music students.
As for the cost impact in District 58, Tisdale says, "I think we're going to be in the $100,000 range in our district."
He says updates will be coming with more details likely by January.
SCHOOL SURPLUS GOODS SALE BRINGS $$$
The surplus goods sale conducted by School District 58 earned the school board a total of $3,227.00."It doesn't bring in a lot of money," says Treasurer Bruce Tisdale who explained that taxpayer's pay for the equipment when bought brand new and auctioning off items no longer needed by the District helps give taxpayers a good deal or two.
For example, chairs and desks went for a dollar or two each. A photocopier went for $57.00 and a microwave oven for $10.00. A variety of computers were sold off for between $11.00 and $20.00 each.
There were glitches with the auction site on the School District website which generated a few phone calls but overall the program was considered a success.
"People were having a lot of fun on this," Tisdale adds.
"It was like the shopping channel on our website."
COUNCIL OKAYS TELUS STUDY
Town Council has given Telus approval to launch a local calling area expansion study. The concept is to make all communities in Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen a local calling area. This may raise the basic rate, but could save local residents a lot of long distance charges.After doing the study, Telus will meet with municipal governments to review costs. If costs are acceptable, Telus will apply to CRTC for approval. If CRTC approves, the change will go to referendum in all communities.
If the referendum passes, Telus will implement the network upgrades.
Telus estimates the time required for the entire process would be approximately 29 months.
