Editor:
I, along with hundreds of other Williams Lake residents, donated my daughter’s formal dresses to the Glass Slipper Program so that future grads in need of a dress could have the opportunity to borrow them at no cost. Earlier this year, School District 27 (SD27) staff decided to give the Glass Slipper inventory to a private business in Quesnel and the School Board supports this decision.
The new system, promised by administration, to take care of grads in need has not yet materialized and I’m confused by the discrepancies between SD27’s version of events and those of a former volunteer with the program that were recently reported in The Tribune.
The Glass Slipper had about 500 dresses in stock. At the February popup sale in Quesnel, where the dresses were being sold, prices ranged from $300 to $1,000. SD27 has not been transparent about how many dresses were given to the business, but 500 dresses at an average of $500 is $250,000! To give these dresses to an out of town business for private profit shows clear disrespect to the people of Williams Lake who donated them, disregard for the students who needed them, and shocking financial mismanagement.
According to SD27 Policy 120, two areas of board responsibilities are of particular relevance to the Glass Slipper:
Ensuring appropriate governance and oversight of all school district operations is being maintained, including the work of senior district staff…
Maintaining effective communication with all groups within the community….
In a February 16 email, the board chair assured me that there would be a report on the dismantling of the Glass Slipper, but no such report has been shared with the public.
SD27 staff and board owe an explanation to the people of Williams Lake regarding the following:
What steps did SD27 take to keep the Glass Slipper program in Williams Lake?
How many of the 500 dresses were given to the private business in Quesnel and what happened to the rest?
How is the board maintaining effective communication with parents, students and district employees regarding this and other issues?
What steps has SD27 administration put in place for students to access formal wear for grad?
Christie Mayall,
Retired SD27 teacher
