Trustees have announced a review of the Bluewater District School Board’s policies and practices.
The review comes after weeks of mounting public concern that the board is not communicating effectively and openly.
The situation peaked in March when former Board Chair Rick Galbraith resigned, and the Ministry of Education sent in representatives to observe how the board operates.
Chair Jennifer Yenssen says trustees are doing their job by taking charge of the situation.
The review will address issues surrounding parental involvement, response to complaints, dispute resolution, and communication both within and outside the board.
Yenssen says the ultimate goal is to re-establish relationships with parents, communities, and other stakeholders by reaching out to the community.
Yenssen says in reviewing the various policies, they believe it is necessary to see where processes have broken down and to correct the difficulties.
The review process will begin in May.
Two consultation meetings, including public forums will be held.
Meetings will also take place with union leaders, staff, and school councils.
The board’s complaint process will be formally reviewed.
A preliminary report will be developed for board approval before the end of June.
The final report will be sent to the Minister of Education for further consideration and response.
Geoff Williams — a former Director of Education for the Avon-Maitland School Board serving Huron and Perth Counties — has been sent by the Ministry of Education to observe the situation at the Bluewater board.
Yenssen says Williams worked with her and the board’s Vice-Chair, Jan Johnstone to develop the news release for the review process and has spoken favourably about what trustees are hoping to achieve through it.
Yenssen says no review of policies and procedures has taken place since the Grey and Bruce boards amalgamated in 1999 and that it’s time to take a look at things.
Concerned parents still made presentations at yesterday’s meeting.
Walkerton parent Dan Wong took a conciliatory approach, saying there are good things happening at the Bluewater board.
But he’s concerned the entire organization is being painted with the same brush and emphasized the public does need to be aware of what is taking place.
Wong says emotions are running high and the only way any progress will be made is if the board and the school community work together in a respectful manner.
Parent Joe Greico briefly addressed the board and likened the situation to how Maple Leaf Foods managed the listeria outbreak last year.
He says Maple Leaf did the right thing by apologizing to the public and the Bluewater Board should be doing the same.