Obviously electing those who represent us is a fundamental component of our democratic system.
However, there is a time and place for everything.
In the case of the B.C. School Trustees Association demanding the new NDP government hold an election for the North Okanagan-Shuswap school board this fall, it is extremely premature.
First off, it was only a year ago that the then Liberal government fired the previous board because it had lost public confidence. And since then, the district has been going through considerable restructuring under the helm of appointed trustee Mike McKay.
“Mr. McKay has proven himself to be a highly effective leader, and our communities have a high level of trust in him. Through Mr. McKay’s leadership, we are in the process of implementing several key initiatives that will help build and establish a healthy, positive learning and working environment for all stakeholders,” said Kari Wilkinson, district parents advisory council president.
DPAC is also correct that an election should not occur until the school district addresses recommendations in a special advisor’s report dealing with board composition, size and geographic representation.
There is also the fact that the school district has just hired a new superintendent and McKay’s ongoing presence would provide some stability as administration evolves.
On top of this, standalone elections are expensive whereas costs would be lower if it waits until the regular election cycle in November 2018 when municipal votes also occur.
In the end, no one is saying that school trustees shouldn’t be elected, but there’s no immediate rush.