B.C education minister pens open letter to parents

B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier has written an open letter to Vancouver parents explaining why he appointed Dianne Turner to replace the nine Vancouver School Board trustees he fired Monday. 

"I have appointed Dianne Turner as official trustee for the Vancouver school district to ensure the Vancouver school district remains focused on providing students with the best education," reads the open letter posted online. "Dianne Turner is one of the most respected educators in our province."

"She's been a teacher, a vice-principal, and principal in the Vancouver school district. She's been an education leader in her time as assistant-superintendent and superintendent at the Delta school district."

Board of one

Turner will take over all of the responsibilities, including public meetings and working with permanent district staff. Those duties were shared among the nine elected trustees.

The former Delta superintendent is also responsible for passing a balanced budget, something the former board failed to do.

"I've asked Ms. Turner to work with her district team and develop a plan that puts Vancouver back on a firm financial footing," reads Bernier's letter to parents.

"I know Ms. Turner will be talking with students, parents and staff over the coming days and weeks, and she will work side-by-side with district staff to establish a sustainable, long-term plan to improve student achievement and services."

VSB investigation underway 

Six senior managers at the district are on medical leave and WorkSafe is investigating allegations against members of the now fired board that they created a toxic work environment. 

"I have also asked her to restore a stable and safe workplace, provide continuity by helping senior leaders to return, and develop a plan to further accelerate seismic upgrades and preserve education services for students," wrote Bernier.

Bernier's decision to fire the entire board has come under fire by the unions who represent employees at the Vancouver School Board.

"The latest move by the Minister of Education only further confirms the government's contempt for public education. The Vancouver School Board trustees were elected to represent the citizens of Vancouver and their concerns," reads a joint statement from the VSB unions. "The appointment of a government trustee is a cause for great concern as any decisions made will be done without any public input or accountability."