School District 57 Board to form Ad Hoc Committee for outstanding policies

For the first time this school year, School District 57’s Board of Trustees met.

One item brought up tonight (Tuesday) was an Ad Hoc Committee for Policy Review.

The motion was brought forward by Trustee Sarah Holland, who stated in the background of the motion that “the policy development process is unclear, and policy discussions are being held in multiple committees.” (Agenda, page 17)

Holland recommended focusing on policies 7, 8, and 10 on Board Operations, Committees, and Policy to start.

“One of the issues I have is whether or not this committee structure is working well for this board,” Holland said.

“Another issue is that of policy, there isn’t really a committee that is charged with policy, and thus in the proposed work plan, policy is being discussed in all the committees, which really isn’t the place for them.”

In Holland’s motion, she noted there’s a strong possibility Current Board Chair Rachael Weber would have to take a leave of absence, followed by a resignation and yet another by-election.

Current Chair Rachael Weber has been named the Conservative Party of BC’s candidate for Prince George-Mackenzie for the next provincial election.

“Policy is silent on any process for a leave of absence, as well as what process is followed after a resignation regarding board positions such as chair, vice chair and other internally election positions.”

Holland’s motion to form the Ad Hoc Committee was unanimously passed.

At the start of the meeting, Holland also asked to amend the agenda have an update from Weber on her plan to manage serving on the board and running for MLA, but the amendment was defeated.

Also on tonight’s agenda was the boards financial statements for the year, and the Superintendent’s report.

Prior to the meeting, a small group of protesters stood outside of the District Office along Ferry Avenue.