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President's Message

Dear RTO Members:

Welcome to our Website. The beginning of 2012! So far this winter in at least some of Northumberland, there has been warm weather and very little snow. A 2.8% raise in our pensions should help offset the increased cost of daily life. Electricity rates? Not likely. We must believe that the economy will improve in 2012.

As I read the local newspapers, I find myself concerned about the number of fires and criminal activity. Please ensure your smoke detectors are working, carbon monoxide detectors are working and lock your doors and secure your windows.

A few items of news:

1. District 30 is updating its Constitution to keep in line with the Provincial Requirements

2. Jane McCaig wrote a letter to Cobourg Council supporting the fact that the Senior Center in the Market area should remain open.

3. Last Executive Meeting we discussed updating the Schools of Northumberland Book, cost is high $6000-$7000.and there are no funds from RTO/ERO Toronto. Discussion continues.

4. It has come to the attention of the executive that some schools in KPDSB area have problems with asbestos. A report on the matter re Norwood Public School was commissioned by the board and apparently released May 5 2011. Asbestos was found in several locations and in some building materials. The ETFO and KPROT local have planned a meeting for January 17, at 5 pm at South Monagan P.S. with OSSTF colleagues to address concerns. Please check the website in future for updates.

5. Please look further in this website for a message from “from the Members of the Provincial Executive” re “ Funding of Charitable Foundation “. It is my belief that we at District 30 have the right to decide how to spend our money. While I agree we can not take moneys from our bank account and send it to the Foundation if we the Executive should be able to give a honorarium to our speakers who come from RTO/ERO Provincial Executive .At no point can I agree with those in Toronto who want to tell us how to spend our funds. As you can see from reading the message we have the legal right to spend our money as we choose. Having said this as your president I would like to know what your thoughts are in this matter. Please feel free to email, send me a letter, phone. It is my belief that no district in this organization should tell us what to do.

Please remember to give consideration to sending$10/month $120 a year to the RTO/ERO Charitable Foundation

Best Wishes for 2012

John Christie.