School District 43 could have reduced disruption and put more money toward students if it had taken an “incremental approach” to closing schools, Port Moody-Westwood MLA Iain Black says in his report on education.

“I understand that taking incremental action is not easy and that it creates meaningful and ongoing pressure from the various unions, as well as stress for all the families affected,” the report states. “But the alternative course of action chosen by the trustees has resulted in spending your tax dollars on administration, heating and overhead costs of redundant school infrastructure, leaving less for the real priority – our students.”

The Liberal MLA said he spent hundreds of hours – but no extra taxpayers’ money – on his community report, which will be distributed in his riding and made available at www.iainblack.bc.ca.

Black said his goal was to give parents an easy-to-digest compendium of information, using data from the education ministry website, and offer some ideas for more discussion.

“The objective was to paint a picture of a very complex system,” he said.

The report summarizes some of his views after talking with parents and school administrators, presents some provincial and local statistics and a flow chart for education decision-making, and offers contact numbers for district officials.

Black also notes in his report that school enrolment has declined 4.8% since 2001/’02 while provincial funding has increased 7.3%.

One chart shows the graduating class of 2006 will have 3,217 students, or 40% more than the current crop of 1,920 kindergarten students, who will graduate in 2018.

He also urged Tri-City trustees to take action on their $40-million unfunded cash liability for accumulated sick leave, pensions and retirement bonuses, and encouraged teachers and their union to have more dialogue.

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com