The Weyburn Central School Division is borrowing $2.5 million dollars this year to cover ongoing expenditures.

Weyburn Central School Division secretary-treasurer Christine Mazenc said the school division has a revolving line of credit to cover ongoing costs such as payroll and purchases between tax collections. Taxes are collected every year in the fall.

But school divisions will not discover the effects of local area RM tax revolts until the following year.

"The government has concerns about this," said Education Minister Jim Melenchuk. "Tax revolts are a cry for help from ratepayers and property taxes are revenue sensitive."

Melenchuk also said he recognizes the need for school division lines of credit to cover expenses in between ratepayer tax payments.

"I don't believe farmers will withhold their taxes," said Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Brenda Bakken. "But the rate payers are sending the message the something has to be done about education funding."

The average level of provincial funding grants is approximately 40 per cent. The remaining 60 per cent is covered by ratepayers. Provincial grants are given to school divisions by the provincial government when recognized expenditures exceed recognized revenues and only to cover the recognized shortfalls. Because of land assessments in the Weyburn Central School Division, the ratepayers pay 100 per cent of the cost to educate its children

During the election, Melenchuk promised a gradual shift from the current 60/40 formula to a 50/50 formula. Melenchuk said this could be done either by lowering mill rates or by rebating taxes collected. The minister said his preference is to give a $200 rebate to all farmers and homeowners.

"We are in a coalition situation now," said Melenchuk. "Negotiations must take place to implement this policy now, but we want to implement it as soon as possible."

The Weyburn School Division also decided to remain on the provincial standard for mileage and meal stipends. Board members currently receive $0.33 per kilometre for travel on school board business. Members receive $7 for breakfasts, $13 for lunch and $16 for suppers. The provincial standard is reviewed every six months.

"Meal stipends are usually only used one convention a year and even then by a few people," said board chairwoman Donnet Elder.

Director of education Al Boutin introduced a policy proposal for paraprofessionals employed by the school division.

Currently, enrolments of children with special needs are rising. To meet their needs, teachers need assistants to work with children in various areas from speech pathology to psychology. Teaching assistants also ensure the students keep to a specialized education plan designed specially for that student, outlining their educational goals.

"Teaching assistant hours are based on the needs of the student and position," said Boutin. "Part of the time can be for evaluations, but that is determined on an individual basis."

Boutin said the policy allows the board the discretion to deal with individual cases and to meet the needs of students and staff more effectively.

A proposed policy professional staff evaluation procedures was also discussed. In most circumstances the proposal allows staff members one month to improve their performance if they are not doing their job effectively. If performance does not improve, termination is considered. The school board would provide supports necessary to deal with the issue at hand.