Prince George, B.C. – The District of Mackenzie  has received some direction from the Ministry of  Education on the next step that must be taken  before the Ministry will make a decision on regional representation on School District 57.

The District of Mackenzie has been pushing for a  change in the way Trustees are elected  so that  it moves to a “ward” system rather than the current “at large” system.  Mackenzie Mayor  Pat Crook  has  said in the past “We’d have a voice that could express concerns for the community, not a voice that expresses concern for Prince George or the region.”

The  proposal has the support of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, which has written a letter of support to the Ministry.  The Ministry has responded saying  it has received the letter of support,  and Acting Deputy Minister Jill Kot writes “I can confirm the Ministry of Education has conducted an initial review of the proposal. However, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Trustee Variation Guidelines, the Ministry has requested additional supporting documentation from the District of Mackenzie. Once documentation is received, the Ministry will conduct a full review of the proposal and a decision will be made.”

Mackenzie Mayor Pat Crook says the “additional supporting documentation” involves  consultation with all First Nations within School District 57  to  see if there are any other concerns.   Mayor Crook  expects that consultation to be complete  by  June and the documentation  submitted to the  government  at that time.

Crook is  hopeful  all the pieces in the  puzzle will be in place in time for the next election  which is slated for the fall of 2018.