Stay-in-school project to get $1.5 million

The Ministry of Education has approved a proposal by the Northern Ontario Education Leaders (NOEL) to encourage students to stay in school until the age of 18—and will support the program with a $1.5 million grant.
Terry Ellwood, superintendent of education for the Rainy River District School Board, will outline some of the project’s details at the board’s regular monthly meeting here tonight.
Aimed at all students who are at risk of dropping out, the program will focus on increasing student success rates.
In a report to the board, Ellwood noted the project will have several components, including later literacy for students in Grades 7-12.
Another component will provide a “flexible, culturally-based program” for potential school dropouts to continue their education. A third will help students who have dropped out but who wish to return to earn their high school diploma.
Ellwood said more details on the project—slated to begin in February—will be forthcoming.
The local public board, the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and Seven Generations Education Institute are among the eight school boards and 10 district school authorities that form NOEL.
Also at tonight’s meeting, the board will review its audited financial statements for 2003-04.
The board will vote on whether to approve a reinvestment of surplus funds to support students and schools, and on whether to set up three new reserves for specific projects, including the renovation of Donald Young School in Emo.
Also tonight, the board will:
•recognize the J.W. Walker School community for the successful transition to the amalgamated school community, made up of staff and students from Sixth Street School, Alberton Central, and Alexander MacKenzie;
•vote on whether to approve seven revised policies, and whether to submit 10 more policies for stakeholder consultation; and,
•hear a report on average class size in its elementary schools.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at Robert Moore School.