School District 83 Board of Education: Back row- Barry Chafe, Chris Coers, Michel Saab, Bobbi Johnson, Bob Fowler. Front - Larissa Lutjen, Kelly Rowe, Jenn Wilchuk and Debbie Evans.
Image Credit: School District 83
May 25, 2016 - 6:30 PM
SALMON ARM - More time is needed to complete a review on board activities in School District 83.
Special advisor Liz Watson, who was appointed by the Ministry of Education to review the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District following the resignations of three trustees, has asked for a two week extension. Her report was initially due May 20.
According to the provincial government, Watson has already met with Education Minister Mike Bernier and presented several draft findings.
“In this meeting the special advisor requested an additional two weeks to finalize the report for School District 83. Minister Bernier has agreed to this request,” a communications officer for the government said in a written response provided to iNFOnews.ca.
The delay could have implications on the timing of a byelection to replace Kelly Rowe, Jenn Wilchuk and Barry Chafe, the three trustees who resigned.
Originally anticipated for June, after the special advisor’s report came in, the byelection will likely have to be pushed back.
The school district appointed a chief elections officer April 12, which set off an 80-day window under the School Act to hold the byelection. Now, district spokesperson Alice Hucul says they’ve been granted an extension to the 80 days. It remains unknown when the byelection will be held.
"After the special advisor report has been received and reviewed, the next steps will be determined in consultation with the ministry," Superintendent Glenn Borthistle said in a written statement.
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