The City of Belleville is coming out in opposition of increased provincial control over school boards.
Belleville city councilors discussed provincial bill 33, which expands the province’s authority over local school boards. Under the new law, the province would have the power to replace elected trustees with appointed supervisors.
Councilor Lisa Anne Chatten proposed a motion to send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that a formal province wide consultation process be developed and implemented before making a decision that would eliminate school board Trustees. The letter specifies that the process should include province wide Town Hall meetings, surveys, virtual and in person focus groups and round table discussions that would seek input from students, parents, staff, leaders, and community at large.
Councillor Chatten stressed the importance of local elected trustees as a voice of the community in how their schools are run, ensuring the priorities of the school boards align with their communities.
“It is an important mechanism of ensuring public voice and community priorities remain in focus,” said councilor Chatten. “As opposed to people outside the region in a removed building, without eyes and ears on these communities, creating cookie cutter policy that has little to no impact on real challenges that face those who trust the province to deliver relevant and accessible education to their children.
Council voted to pass the motion in a recorded vote. Councillor Kathryn Ann Brown was the only vote against.
