School Board Wants Answers From Education Minister
By 250 News
School District 57 trustees will send off two letters today with regards to the Ministry of Education's planned "re-purposing" of local school boards.
At a provincial council meeting of members of the B.C. School Trustees Association back on October 22nd, the Deputer Education Minister, Emery Dosdall, outlined an expanded mandate for the ministry that includes literacy, early learning, community libraries and health promoting schools. He then raised questions about the role of school boards under that new mandate that, Trustee Michelle Marelli says, "set off alarm bells." There are concerns the ministry may try to regionalize school boards, much like the regional health authorities.
At last night's meeting, Marelli put forward motions calling on the board to write two letters: one to the B.C.S.T.A. supporting the association's view that school boards would welcome an enhanced role, that any changes re-affirm the local autonomy of school boards, and any new responsibilities would require adequate funding; the other would go to Education Minister Shirley Bond, asking for a definition of just what "re-purposing" means and what the timeline would be for implementing any changes.
The provincial government is expected to introduce legislation on the issue early in the new year and has set December 8th as a deadline for receiving input. Trustee Patricia Wick-Thibault questioned the ministry's tight time-frame, calling it unfair with civic elections less than two weeks away. The B.C.S.T.A. has asked all current boards for a letter of support by next Thursday, as a result. As Wick-Thibault pointed out newly-elected trustees wouldn't be up to speed in time to have a strong voice on the matter. She also says it's impossible to provide input on the Ministry of Education's new mandate, when it hasn't yet been defined by the ministry, itself.
Wick-Thibault says the whole issue needs to go beyond the board, to the general public. "During the election, there needs to be discussion about the value of local representation."
Wick-Thibault is not seeking re-election, nor is Trustee Fred McLeod. The first all-candidates forum for the three incumbents and seven others seeking a spot on school board goes tonight at 7pm at the Prince George Playhouse. The event is being hosted by the District Parents Advisory Council.
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How often do we hear the comment, I didn't know enough of the details, but we had to make a quick decision?
The time has come to say, hold on, we are not ready to comment on your "Re-purposing Proposal" until we understand the implications of it.
I appeal to the current school board that they do not provide their letters of support for the B.C.S.T.A. by next thursday. Make sure you know what it is you are supporting first.
We need to think through the consequences of our decisions ahead of time. We all have a responsibility to think past this moment and realize that many decisions we make or support have long term consequences. Try and change thing once you have given your vote.
I would ask each of you to really search your own mind and soul to determine who you want representing you? Either on a School Board or as a Civic Leader in our Municipal Government. Chester