What an interesting subject: financing public education in canada. I was not surprised that the provincial government supplied 62% of Manitoba Education Revenues (I think I learned that in history once upon a time). But I had no idea that operating grants were dependant on the amount of students registered by September 30th. Definitely interesting food for thought. I enjoyed doing the budget cutting activity, but it makes me realize how glad I am not to have to be in a position to cut funding from programs. How does one decide? Each program should have the right to argue in their favour as to why they deserve a certain amount of funding. I know growing up in the band program, I would not know what it is like to have any less of a music program. I loved band! I loved the opportunities we had in band (we travelled to California twice, Banff, Minneapolis, Brandon (Jazz fest!), and various places in the north). The feeling of playing that music and that we sounded so awesome was fantastic!
But that's another story.We're talking financing here...
I think school's need to have programs that allow all types of students the chance to achieve their best. Our highschool had graphic arts, metals, woods, shop, band, choir, drama, great art classes, cafeteria/cooking classes and an awesome athletic program. There was something for everyone, and I think that makes a great school. Not everyone is going to be a teacher or something with a University degree. We need trades, (mechanics, carpenters, etc...) performers, artists to have a thriving community. And for that we need funding for those programs to create the opportunity for interest.
That's kind of my rant. I do agree that we may not need what the budget sets out, but I don't agree that we should cut out a program because a few people think it's unnecessary. You have to look at the numbers to see if the interest is there.
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