|
Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says that while the comments made this morning
by Milton Peach, Chair of the Eastern School District Board of Trustees, are
unusual, he is not surprised seeing the close connection Mr. Peach has with
the PC Party. In the media this morning, Milton Peach stated that he
supported the actions of the Director of Education, Mr. Darin King, in
suspending two teachers without pay for speaking out on teacher stress. Mr.
Peach stated that he hadn’t discussed this issue with the Board of Trustees,
but felt they would also support the decision.
"While it is unusual for the Chair of the Board of Trustees to speak on
behalf of the Board without having a meeting on the issue, it is not
surprising seeing that the hierarchy of the Eastern School District is mired
in partisan politics," said Mr. Reid. "Mr. Peach is a former PC Cabinet
Minister who is now supporting the decision of Darin King, a defeated PC
candidate in the last election, an individual who was hired by the Premier’s
politically appointed transitional board, rather than an elected board .
"The heavy-handed approach used in this circumstance is an attack on the
tradition of academic and political freedoms we respect in this society. It
sends the wrong message to teachers and other civil servants around the
province. This action is so much out of the realm of what is acceptable,
Education Minister Joan Burke should intervene and revoke this suspension.
Her inaction on this issue obviously indicates that she supports the
decision of her political friend.
"I am encouraging members of the general public to contact the School
Board Trustees to find out their opinions on this matter. While the Chair
may think he has the authority to unilaterally decide what is acceptable for
all trustees, I am certain parents, teachers and students would like to know
whether they support this decision or not. Maybe a decision by the trustees
will finally force some intervention and action by this government."
|