Richard Hub Hughes-Political Blogger
Personally I found that the dismissal of our elected School Trustees was an unnecessary action savoured by the BC Liberal Government to keep the uppity Trustees in line, not only here but throughout the province.
This is not just about money. This shines a light on an antiquated child of the provincial government relationship that we have in relation to our School Boards.
We pay school taxes but all power resides with the provincial government. I hope that the BC NDP will address this outdated arrangement when and if elected May 14th, 2013.
Cowichan BC NDP MLA Bill Routley Stands Up For Cowichan In The Legislature.
In an earlier post I had mentioned that heart attack or no heart attack, BC NDP MLA Bill Routley would be back in action when the pussy willows and crocuses made their appearance. Turns out I was not far off. Here is the latest from our MLA.
Cowichan Valley MLA Bill Routley stood up in the BC Legislature and asked why the government’s appointed trustee of the Cowichan Valley School District is threatening to close schools this May?
The education minister fired the elected school board last year and the appointed trustee has put a list of 10 schools forward for possible closure, saying that the decision on which schools would close would be made May 15 – the day after the provincial election.
Here is Cowichan NDP MLA Bill Routley standing up for us in the BC Legislature. (Video)
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Quick fact check, in the first sentence of his speech: B. Routley: “Last year this government fired the democratically elected Cowichan school board and replaced them with a handpicked trustee with no links to the community.”
http://billroutley.com/bill-routley-asking-about-school-trustees/
My sister went to Cowichan Secondary when:
“McKay served as principal at Cowichan Secondary School from 1992 to 1994″
http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/news/162096195.html
Regards,
Kerry Davis
Green Party of BC Candidate
Cowichan Valley
I in no way defend the egregious firing of a democratically elected school board and this whole situation is very troubling.
Dropping someone in who has experience here was an interesting tactic, although 20 years ago, there was nothing like the cash crunch being imposed today so likely not relevant.
Having attended three of the “consultations”, I understand the cuts will only get them until next year’s budget.
Should the government somehow not change in May, the flawed funding model will necessitate further cuts which could hobble the district irretrievably.
Clearly, there is much work to do.
Kerry Davis