School trustee candidate Don Sabo pledges accountability, transparency

“I felt that I needed to come forward because what they did is not in the best interest of public education in this district,” Sabo said. “I’m running on school board accountability, transparency and communications.”

Among the concerns driving his campaign are decisions made early in the board’s term. Sabo criticized trustees for replacing then-board chair Betty Bekkering despite her years of experience and for removing the district’s superintendent, a move he argues cost the school system decades of educational experience and institutional knowledge.

However, one issue stands out above the rest for Sabo: a 28 per cent increase in trustee remuneration approved by the board.

The pay hike drew public attention when it was approved, and Sabo believes it raises legitimate questions about accountability and priorities.

“That floored me,” he said. “I’ve been involved in public education and I’ve sat on boards for a number of organizations without any remuneration. At what point do you get 20, 25, 28 per cent where it becomes self-serving rather than service to the community?”

Sabo says he would support a more modest level of compensation and would work with fellow trustees to determine an appropriate amount if elected.

As the campaign unfolds, Sabo is encouraging voters to scrutinize the decisions made by current trustees and to make accountability a key consideration when casting their ballots this fall.

by Greg Fry

School trustee candidate Don Sabo pledges accountability, transparency

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