A busy year ahead for the Bruce Grey Catholic School Board.
Director of Education Bruce MacPherson says there are a lot of exciting opportunities as well as the usual challenges to embark upon.
One of the bigger projects involves the three classroom addition to St. Basil’s school in Owen Sound — which will offer five Full Day Kindergarten programs next Fall.
There are also some energy renewal projects in the works as well as a possible school solar project.
MacPherson says a new partnership with Public Health to promote healthy lifestyles among students is another high point.
As for the challenges, declining enrolment will remain the Catholic Board’s biggest hurdle.
The enrolment decline means less government funding for the Board.
Transportation funding is another sore point.
The Board has been struggling with the transportation funding formula for years to cover the rising cost of busing students across the large rural board.
But MacPherson is looking forward to 2011 and says the School Board is fortunate to have such a great team of staff and trustees to lean on.
He says putting students first is the number one priority for staff and trustees at the Catholic Board.
