Editor: I believe the letter written to Metro Vancouver signed by Delta school board chair Laura Dixon and superintendent Dianne Turner is in non-compliance with the School Act of B.C. and the oath of office.
As the School Act and the Delta Handbook outline specific policies and procedures related to the learning environment, it is alarming to read this referenced letter, which is not within the mandate of the authors.
The letter states two reasons for the support of a highly controversial land deal in Delta. One reason cited is that approval will mean an agricultural academy, which fits in well with the District Vision. Surely Delta trustees and the superintendent are not mandated to get involved in endorsing controversial land deals with expected speculative returns.
The second reason for support is the statement that trustees believe there is a need for more housing because of declining enrolment in Delta schools. This is outside the role of school trustees and superintendent.
It is not their job to generate and promote housing proposals to serve schools. It is their job to provide education for our community.
A letter had already been sent to Delta from the school district advising the planning department the current schools could accommodate the first phase of the development. The letter also requested the development provide adequate accommodation for bus stops.
Did the school board pass a motion at a board meeting to write a letter of support for such a divisive proposal? The minutes of the meeting where this was endorsed need to be made public. Such a motion should have been ruled out of order according to the
B.C. School Act.
Trustees and superintendents should not be using educational governance positions to promote causes unrelated to their mandate.
The letter to Metro Vancouver violates the principles of good, honest governance. It is seen as a breach of the public trust. The letter should be withdrawn and a public apology should be printed in all Delta newspapers.
The actions of the authors should be investigated by the Ministry of Education and the B.C. School Trustees Association.
Susan Jones
