(Queen's Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop met with Dr. Mordechai Rozanski last week as part of the consultation process undertaken by the Education Equality Task Force. Headed by Dr. Rozanski, the task force is reviewing the funding formula for Ontario's publicly-funded schools.

"During the meeting, I offered six recommendations to Dr. Rozanski that reflect the input I have received from my constituents," said Dunlop. "I believe these recommendations will ensure that the funding formula and education system better serve students in Simcoe County and across Ontario."

Dunlop visited over 150 schools across the province in his former role of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.

His recommendations include:
·Review efficiencies that were discovered by school boards before the funding formula took effect (e.g. in transportation);
·Ensure the funding formula is revised to protect the survival of small schools in rural areas, particularly those schools that are the focal point of their community;
·Introduce innovative ways of utilizing staff from other schools (e.g. teleconferencing);
·Streamline the process for special education assessments, so that more time and resources are spent on helping children, instead of on paperwork;
·Allow school boards more flexibility in the way they can spend money; and
·Emphasize technical and vocational schooling to renew interest in skilled trades.

The Education Equality Task Force will submit recommendations to Education Minister Elizabeth Witmer that will benefit budget planning for the 2003-2004 school year and beyond. Its recommendations will seek to promote a funding approach that supports quality student learning and achievement, equity and fairness, responsiveness to local needs, accountability, and affordability.