By Rhonda Lee McIsaacHaida Gwaii ObserverSchool District No. 50 has voted in favour of boosting Sandspit’s transportation assistance from $10 to $13 per family. SD 50 made the decision at their regular board meeting in Masset Jan. 27. The increased assistance went into effect this monthThere was also a motion voted upon to investigate the viability of tendering a small van or school bus from Sandspit to Alliford Bay for student travel. The board will review the motion at their next meeting. Tuesday’s discussion was part of the second sitting for the new board. With all trustees present, they breezed through the 94-page package in under three hours.It was approved that 16 students will be taking part in an upcoming Trades Program at George M. Dawson Secondary School. This program aims at introducing the trades to these high school students in two-week periods for 10 weeks. The course will be taught by a Red Seal tradesperson and will also involve other teachers and community members involved in the trades. Students at Queen Charlotte Secondary School will also be traveling to experience this program. Board trustees further accepted a motion to change the graduation date, which many students had lobbied for. There were also 10 field trip applications, which were all approved. Superintendent Angus Wilson addressed the new board and their need for a Visioning Session. This all-day meeting was set for Feb. 28, enabling the board to get acquainted with their roles, the policies and to set priorities for education on Haida Gwaii. Parents, students, and other stakeholder’s views will be heard at an Educational Symposium to be held after the Visioning session. “We’re a team” said board chair, Kim Goetzinger as she concluded the meeting, thanking the dozen people who were present for staying the extra 45 minutes in order to finish.
