By Michael Gorman

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

The superintendent of the Tri-County Regional School Board (TCRSB) said he was pleased to hear that a government appointed group would help the board examine its budget for possible cost-saving measures.

Phil Landry said last week, a few days before he was scheduled to meet with the three-person panel from Halifax, that the news is perhaps a sign the province recognizes that the board needs help. Landry said that after much discussion about such a possibility he was glad to see it come to pass.

The board's financial struggles have been well documented as of late. Last month the board was forced to cut 42 jobs in order to balance its budget. The twenty-four teaching positions and 18 jobs at the central office were cut as a result of a $3.3 million shortfall. Part of the ongoing financial challenges facing the board this year included rising costs of things such as oil to the tune of $500,000 and substitute teachers. The board also lost $1 million due to declining enrollment.

Beyond this are the ongoing questions about the disparity in funding between the TCRSB and the South Shore board and the Strait board. Although the three boards are of comparable size, the South Shore board receives $6 million more in funding from the province while the Strait board receives $11 million more. Both boards have fewer than 300 more students than the TCRSB.

Asked if he thought by sending the panel to help with the budget the province was indirectly suggesting the money problems are self-made, Landry said no.

"We've been in consultation for, I'm going to say the past three years," he said. "(The present funding system) is not treating us friendly — let's put it that way. And it's not the fault of any other boards that they're getting more funding — good for them. But we have been in consultation with (the province), and we've made presentations to the present minister and our local MLAs that we think we should be getting at least $6.2 million more, basically on enrollment supplement. As well as some of the boards of similar size are getting more money because the government stated that they would not receive less when (the present funding program) came into effect."

Based on the most recent conversations and presentations Landry said he was optimistic that the government is beginning to understand the board's position.

"This present minister has been very supportive of this board," he said. "I'm very optimistic that they will come with some support."