August 12, 1982

Mad Hatter

A Douglas College-New

   

DOUGLAS eee
ARCHIVES

 

 

NEWS RELEASE FROM MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Schools, colleges and institutes face
major reductions in expenditures total-
ing more than $68 million in the next
eight months.

The Ministry's internal expenditures
are being trimmed by $8 million during
the same period.

Education Minister Brian Smith said
that School Boards must closely examine
budgets and produce an expenditure
reduction plan by September 15.

"T am advising all concerned by telex
today of what is expected of them
following the restraint program announced
by Premier Bennett on Tuesday," said

Mr. Smith. "I am also reminding

the boards that it was their wish,
expressed to the Premier and myself
last week, that they be allowed to plan
their own reductions after the necessary
figure was supplied."

The minister said one of the areas that
must be examined by all is that of
reducing this year's salary increases.
"I strongly urge that in the present
economic climate there be no additional
unemployment created through what may
be seen as an easy layoff route in
achieving savings," said the minister.
"The time has come for boards to sit
down with the faculty and staff and work
out cooperative solutions to cope with
the times."

"In 1982 teachers' salaries were increased
17 percent over 1981," said Mr. Smith.

"Tf that increase were reduced to 10
percent effective September 1, then the
needed savings would be made without
disruption to any other areas of the
system."

The minister said grants to school
districts will be reduced starting
August 1. The saving from August to
December is $37.5 million and a further

 

 

$22.5 million from January to March,
1983 for a combined saving of $60
million.

Colleges and institutes funding will be
pared by $8.5 million during the same
period and independent schools by a
proportionate amount of $.38 million.

Meanwhile, the Ministry will provide
information to the affected areas
through the following phone lines.

387-3543

1. College and Institutes
2. School Board

Secretary—Treasurers 387-1434
3. Superintendents 387-1588
4. General Information 387-5041

ELEMENTS OF THE REVISED RESTRAINT
PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION

1. Total Ministry Budget Reduction -
August 1, 1982 - March 31, 1983

a) School District Grants $60.00 million
b) Colleges and Institutes 08.50 million
c) Independent Schools 00.38 million
d) Ministry (internal) 08.00 million

2. School District Grants are to be
reduced by $60.00 million from August 1
to March 31, 1983.

- School board budgets will be frozen
at the new, restrained level until
March 31, 1983.

- Boards are being asked to:

a) first make all possible further non-
salary items reductions: and implement’
them immediately,

b) open negotiations with their pro-
fessional and support staffs regarding
salary reductions (If agreed move
immediately to effect savings.)

c) Depending on the results of (b)
table a plan with the Minstry by
September 15 indicating:

i) non-salary budget cuts

ii) salary reductions, or, if necessary,