CKPG File Image

By Caden Fanshaw

SD 57

‘I want there to be some accountability’: Bekkering, Burnett speak after resigning from SD57

Mar 13, 2023 | 6:37 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It was an emotional move for now-former Trustee Betty Bekkering to step away from the School District 57 Board of Education.

Both Bekkering and now-former trustee Gillian Burnett spoke to CKPG News in an exclusive interview about the actions of other members of the board they called divisive and unwelcoming.

“I think the last while has shown me that there isn’t any way I could fight the amount of division in our school board,” said Bekkering.

Bekkering had been a school trustee for eight years and said she was always in it for the students and improving learning outcomes.

Tax season

Days away from deadline, 1 in 4 Canadians still haven't filed taxes

11h ago

Chetwynd wildfire

"Really quite terrified:" Chetwynd reacts to ongoing fight against wildfire

12h ago

Hospice looks to expand into palliative care

13h ago

“I feel that it’s really unfair that someone in my position was put into this position that I had, my only way out, was to resign,” said Bekkering.

Burnett echoed the same sentiment and said she never expected her first term as a school trustee to be this negative.

“I didn’t feel part of the board. I didn’t feel that seven people ever came together,” said Burnett. “No, I don’t think I ever felt welcomed or included.”

Multiple sources confirmed an unscheduled in-camera meeting was held Thursday to relieve Superintendent Cindy Heitman of her duties. Bekkering and Burnett said they could not comment directly on the matter.

CKPG News reached out to Rachael Weber, SD57 Board Chair for comment several times but was unable to be reached. Weber has not returned requests for comment since February 9.

A number of stakeholder groups have shared their disappointment with the actions of the SD57 Board of Education since January but tensions have ramped up since Superintendent Cindy Heitman was relieved of her duties March 10 just hours before spring break.

Bekkering thanked Heitman for her time as the Superintendent adding she had such admiration for the job she did over the pandemic.