The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board is going to consider instituting a whistleblower policy at its next board meeting.
The matter was brought forth by Sidney and Frankford Trustee Kristen Parks at Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
Parks explained the thinking behind the policy.
“In addition to maintaining and enhancing public confidence, a whistleblower policy aligns with our multi-year strategic plan vision to lead with integrity and high expectations for all. Our priority to foster a culture of excellence and high expectations and our priority to promote safety and well being, specifically the following points: create environments where students and staff feel safe and are supported to learn, work and thrive and to foster resiliency, respectful relationships among and between staff and students. A whistleblower policy can promote a clear, fair, consistent and effective method of receiving and resolving complaints and concerns without fear of reprisal while maintaining a respectful culture within the board.”
The policy applies specifically to trustees and employees of the board and provides a clear dictation of how, and to whom, any kind of wrongdoing should be reported to, and offers whistleblowers the opportunity to do so confidentially and without fear of reprisal.
Trustee Alison Kelly noted that other boards either have or are in the process of putting together a similar policy and that she was in support of it.
The matter was taken to a vote and carried, meaning that it will be brought before the school board for final approval at its meeting on November 22.
