Following a survey regarding School District 83's possible trustee variation from five to seven, the board discussed the ongoing issue.
At the June 17 meeting, Supt. Donna Kriger said they had over 300 responses that will be compiled and presented to the board to make a decision on a formal submission to the minister of education. It will take more consideration, however, as trustees are still somewhat divided on the matter.
“One of my main concerns isn’t just about sharing the workload and balancing the number of schools, but it’s the fact that sometimes we don’t have quorum...,” trustee Marianne VanBuskirk said if members are away, unable to attend or in conflict of interest. “So my concern is sometimes there are three of us, really, making very impactful decisions. And it’s not about sharing the workload, it’s about three voices instead of five, six or seven firmly standing behind a decision. So that’s why... I feel five isn’t quite enough.”
Trustee Amanda Krebs also pointed out that depending on who runs for the board, they could have a contingent of people concerned with just one issue, such as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and sway the vote in their favour, so “seven’s a little safer.”
Chair Corryn Grayston said she could see the arguments for both sides, remaining status quo or increasing the board, adding they have to look at the district from a larger lens and see how many times over the last few years they haven't made quorum.
“Sometimes we get close, we get very close to where we cannot make a decision as a board, and that can have big consequences..." Graystoon said. "But I’m also trying to be very – I’m as frugal as the day is long so I’m always looking at that bottom dollar perspective.”
She added that as they approach an election year, the board should ensure people running understand what you can and can’t do as a trustee and what comes down from the ministry so candidates understand the scope of what their responsibilities are.
“I think maybe that would help us on that other side of maybe having a coup try and come through.”
The board will continue the discussion at the September meeting and, if they decide to move forward with a variation, have to have a submission into the ministry by Oct. 31.
