“We’ll keep pushing forward for parental rights”: Weber says on policy for stronger communication

PRINCE GEORGE — It was a full house Tuesday evening for the second school board meeting of the year, and one item added to the agenda sparked a debate between trustees.

Board Chair Rachael Weber put forward a motion that “consideration be given to the creation of a policy statement that sets parameters around communications with parents about events scheduled in schools. The rationale given for the statement was that parents would be adequately informed about upcoming presentations held at District schools so that families would have sufficient time to determine whether attending the presentation is in the best interest of their child’s education.

Trustee Bob Thompson questioned whether the contents in the motion should be operational or a board matter and asked the acting superintendent’s opinion. Acting Superintendent Pam Spooner said that it is not her job to tell the board what to do, but said that it would quote “be a big mistake, because we hire teachers and principals to do the job and to trust them”.Trustee Shar McCrory said quote “I question why, as a board of education, we are making policy when I feel it is an operational action.” and Trustee Erica McLean said quote” When I look at this rational, it is about one thing. It is specific to presentations. It feels reactionary, and I don’t want us to be reactive.”