FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2002

Public school board wins provincial award
Exercising diligence in identifying and resolving reporting problems, and demonstrating commitment to building a strong working relationship with their partner organization gives the Payroll & Benefits team at the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board reason to celebrate.

The team was recently recognized by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (TPP) for exemplifying excellent pension reporting practices. Over the summer, TPP regional teams nominated employers whom they felt met specific criteria, including:
• Commitment to payroll-based reporting
• Innovative and creative approaches to resolving reporting problems
• Timely response to requests for information

“We reviewed all nominations and determined that the Hastings and Prince Edward team was a clear leader in pension reporting,” says Mila Babic, TPP Director, Employer Information Services. “Their strong partnership with us is a key element for improving service to teachers,” she adds.

The Hastings and Prince Edward team of five, Chris Bell, Arlene Dagenais, Debbie Lucas, Lori Thompson, and Christine Uens, handles pension reporting for 1,500 members within the Board.

The team was presented with an engraved award and was featured in the latest edition of Pension Update, the TPP provincial newsletter for employers. “This is such an honour,” says Arlene Dagenais, Manager of Payroll & Benefits. “I’m so happy that our team members are being recognized for their hard work.”

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving over 18,900 students, and employing 1,083 teachers. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Bancroft to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west. The 2002-2003 operating budget is $133.9 million.

For information contact :
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, 966-9491
• Arlene Dagenais, Manager of Payroll & Benefits, x2411
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, x2354