VANCOUVER — B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier says he isn’t in a hurry to fire the Vancouver school board, despite sudden sick leaves by six senior managers who allege they are being bullied by trustees.
The exodus, along with a rule change by the provincial government, has halted the process of considering the closing of 11 schools.
In June, the school board refused to pass a balanced budget. School boards are required by law to balance their budgets and the province has fired boards for failing to do so. But in the Vancouver case, the minister appointed an auditor, who is expected to release a report next week.
Bernier received more news of trouble on Sept. 28, a letter from the B.C. School Superintendents Association alleging school board managers were being bullied by trustees and asked the province to protect them. Bernier refused to get involved and referred the matter to WorkSafeBC.
“Since last week, the entire senior management team has gone on medical leave,” Bernier said.
— Vancouver Sun
