The chair of the Bluewater District School Board is calling the first step of a review process a success.
The Bluewater Education Outreach review program got underway yesterday with two public meetings at West Hill Secondary School in Owen Sound
A common issue brought up by the 40 parents, teachers, and community members at the evening session was a lack of awareness about the meeting itself.
Yenssen admits the board has become too reliant on email and Internet access, but for the next meeting will send notices home with elementary students and use the voicemail delivery system for the parents of older kids.
Yenssen says other common themes are already becoming apparent, and include the fact that parents believe they’re not informed about protocols – and if they are, the protocols aren’t clear to understand.
The purpose of the Bluewater Education Outreach review program is to address communication issues with the board.
While a facilitator ran the meetings, the entire board was there to hear what the public had to say, although Yenssen stresses the members were not there to answer questions directly.
Kevin Larson, a parent from Port Elgin, calls it an important first step.
He also recognizes that many people may not feel comfortable to come out and participate in the public forum, but he encourages them to mail or email their comments to the board.
Larson says while the public meeting was a positive step, many similar steps need to continue being taken in order to create a responsive, transparent, and engaging board.
And he could get his wish – Yenssen says she’s hearing such constructive feedback and good suggestions, the board is already discussing making the public review an annual event.
Yenssen says all the comments will be collected in an overall report put together by the facilitator.
Another public meeting will be held at Walkerton District Secondary School on Monday June 1st from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and again from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Comments can also be sent to the facilitator at bluewateroutreach@yahoo.com
