by Don Peat, Toronto Sun

Toronto's first Africentric school will have enough students to open this fall.

But even before the enrolment drive has finished, one trustee is asking how much the Toronto public board spent to sign people up.

Josh Matlow, a vocal opponent of the school, says he wants to know how much the board spent in its campaign to drum up enrolment.

"I will raise questions about how we have managed finances on this project and the need for a costly enrolment and public relations campaign," Matlow vowed in a letter to his St. Paul's ward parents and residents.

Matlow told the Sun he'll want the costs of the board's multiple information meetings, fairs and media advertisements.

'VERY COST-EFFECTIVE'

The school's launch has been "very cost-effective," trustee James Pasternak said, adding final numbers won't be available until the recruitment campaign is over.

The campaign relied heavily on volunteers to spread the word door-to-door and through the media, he said. Much of the cost will come out of existing departmental budgets.

Toronto District School Board spokesman Kelly Baker confirmed yesterday there already is more than the 40 students needed to open the doors of the black-focused alternative school in September. The school can accommodate up to 125 students.

Board chairman John Campbell said he expects the primary school could have mixed grades.

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