“She is promoting private education on behalf of a political party,”
That’s from Prince George District Teachers Association President Daryl Beauregard as he is calling on SD 57 Board Chair Rachael Weber to resign following a social media post promoting private education.
She voiced that private schools offer specialized programs and smaller class sizes while public education ensures accessibility. Weber also mentioned the need to advocate for increased funding and resources for both systems in order to create a balanced system.
Earlier this year, Weber was nominated as the BC Conservatives candidate for the Prince George-Mackenzie riding in next year’s provincial election.
Beauregard told MyPGNow.com the recent comments are a big “no-no”.
“It would be like myself as union president making some sort of statement while getting paid by my union to represent my members but also make a statement saying I believe in the privatization of education. That is simply not on (onside).”
He added Weber also made another eye-raising comment during a meeting on September 5th.
“She made a very offensive statement denouncing inclusive education. That is a core value of public education and she is the chair of the board. One of the assistant superintendents had to explain what inclusion meant – if you are working in the public system you are committed to it.”
In a separate post, Beauregard highlighted several policy points Weber breached due to her comments.
They included:
- Contribute to the positive climate and reputation of the school district and public education (Policy 3)
- Serve the district to the best of their ability, irrespective of their own beliefs (Policy 3)
- Be respectful, sensitive, and responsive to the diversity and rights of others (Policy 3)
- Act as an advocate for public education and the school district in a non-partisan way (under Political Advocacy).
Here is SD57 Board policy the chair voted for and ignores for her own self interest. @PGTeachers @BCSTA_News @bctf #bced Weber should resign. @RachnaSinghNDP /2 pic.twitter.com/cRjNGpFmxe
— Daryl Beauregard (@TheBogie74) October 3, 2023
Beauregard acknowledged while former board chairs and trustees have graduated on to civic and provincial politics – most notably Tim Bennett, Ron Polillo, and Shirley Bond – Weber’s ability to balance her current role and platform for the BC Conservatives has muddied the waters.
“She needs to come to grips with the fact she is the sitting chair of the board of education and the values of public education are being put under attack by that party and she is promoting that message while she is still the board chair. This is not something I find ethically agreeable.”
“Typically speaking, you are not doing both at the same time. You are not promoting both journeys for yourself at the same time, your loyalties are to one and then you move on. Certainly, the board of education does give you some name recognition and that is helpful for a political career but to do both at the same time in terms of promoting values that are in conflict is not ethical.”
MyPGNow.com has reached out to the Ministry of Education for an interview or statement from Minister Rachna Singh but has not received a response.
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