WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1980. PAGE 13 Winter reflects on year of challenges and changes for-board of education Durham Board of Education chairman A-t Winter reflected back on a year, which for him, was filled with many changes and challenges during last weeks annual report presen- ted at a special board meeting. "A few roadblocks were encountered in some areas which caused delays and detours. However, in general, I feel that our decisions and accomplish- ments have benifetted our educational system in Durham," said Winter. Winter said that when he accepted the role of chair- man one year aog he wanted to place more of an em- phasis on the pupils, studen- ts and children. "Enrollment during the year showed a slight decline," he said. Elementary school enrollment decreased by 468 by September and secon- dary school enrollment had increased by 71. He said that emphasis was placed on special education in the region, adding that the Durham is one of the boards currently involved in a pilot project to plan implemen- tation of Bill 82. Integration of "higher functioning" mentally retarded students took place in September when classes were-set up in Frenchman's Bay Public School, Kings Street Public School and Henry Street High School. "Some new programs were introduced. The board approved and encouraged the introduction of a con- sumer education program for the junior grades," said Winter. He said that the board operated two summer schools in Oshawa and Whitby which solved problems from other years. Winter added that with the shifting enrollment in durham region, ac- comodation of students was a major concern with the board. Additional facilities were opened at Vincent Massey and Duffin's Bay Public Schools and at Brock and Uxbridge High Schools. A school accomodation committee completed their study of eight elementary schools and one secondary school in the early part of this year. As a result Webb Public School in Uxbridge was closed and further review of most of the other schools recomended. "Communication with outside organizations and with the general public has continued," said Winter. Many meeting were at- tended by the public and private groups and the family life program, French immersion program kin- dergarten attendance, ac- comodation, parking problems at schools and creative playgroùnds were discussed. The board approved ap- proximately $94.5 million budget for 1980, constituting an increase of almost 10.9 percent over the previous budget. Close to 90 percent of the Board must face new issues CONT'D FROM PG. 6 he and Witner are strong in people-related issues, Win- ter being a retired educator and McCracken is the ad- ministrator of Toronto's Centennial College. Winter said that the hiring move will allow programs such as special and com- puter to be more thoroughly studies by trustees. However, neighter man said that the work will be any easier. McCracken said that the board will have to deal with the issue of special education noting that it is a complex one and will require a lot of time and ef- fort on the partof trustees. Another problem to be looked at is the trend towar- ds the use of the computer almost everywhere. "There are more com- puter games on the market than we've got computers in schools," he said. Winter, who has served on the board since 1976, said that both he and McCracken expect to spend much of their time over the next few months acquainting the board's eight new trustees (including Whitby's Ian Brown and'John Buchanan) with the job and the issues to be contended with. McCracken, a three year veteran of the board, said that it took him a year to find his way around the board. Since there are fewer trustees on this board who served on local boards before Durham was created, both men said that it has a more regional outlook. budget is used for salaries. wages and benefits. The board approved the use of professional negotiators to bargain with teachers' federations and non-affiliated employees beginning in 1981. The business operations of the board were changed in some aspects. Some re-organization of titles and responsibilities were approved for officials of both the business and finance departments. Winter said that van- dalism in schools is still a concern to the board. To combat the rise in van- dalism more alarm systems have been installed in schools and a more univer- sal system of marking equipment for identification has been initiated. Winter also said that several trustees had been given recognition during the year. "Stephen Saywell com- pleted 40 years as a trustee representing Oshawa. on local school boards,". the chairman said. "I am sure that many of the problems and concerns dealt with during 1980 will require further attention or will reappear in 1981. I am also sure that new ones will present surface to present new challenges to the new board," said Winter. "1980 has been challenging and exciting for me as your chairman. It has been rewarding at times and frustrating at other times. I offer my sincere thanks to all staff possible, especially senior administration, and to all trustees for helping to solve the frustrations and to share the rewards," he con- cluded. FOR ALL YOUR PHOTO COPY NEEDS BEAUTIFUL BOND COPIES Do your own bond photo copies at THE PRINTING PLACE 111 Brock St. N. Whitby (At the 4 Corners) A Division of in & Out Copy Centres Inc. 666-1291