Winning back trust

Photo: School District 83.

The North Okanagan Shuswap School District's official trustee has sent a message to parents promising to engage with communities in the coming weeks.

“Parents and the broader community are essential partners in the education journey and schools and districts have to reach out, authentically engage and build shared vision and momentum toward a preferred future. I look forward to connecting with communities across the district in the coming weeks and months,” said Mike McKay.

McKay was appointed by the education minister to replace School District 83's nine trustees who were dismissed.

The dismissals followed public outrage over some of the board's decisions, the appointment of a special adviser and a report to the ministry containing more than 40 recommendations.

“There are many variables associated with successful schools and districts,” said McKay.

“In challenging and rapidly changing times, it is critically important to cultivate the key areas for success. I am working with senior staff to review a wide range of issues including transparency, resourcing levels, home-school connections, governance routines and many more. These areas, some of which were included in the special advisor’s report, will help us to identify priorities toward achieving our goals.”

The first public board meeting with the lone trustee will take place at the district board offices in Salmon Arm on July 5th, at 5 p.m. An agenda will be posted on the district's website.

“In moving forward, I will work hard to provide governance, guidance and support as we achieve our common goal – success for every student,” McKay stated.