Sudbury

Sudbury family calls on education minister to lift ban in time for dance recital

The Gibsons have been banned from entering the board office or any high schools in the board system since 2012.

'No trespass' order on Anita Gibson means she can’t attend daughter’s field trip to Sudbury Secondary

Anita and Dylan Gibson have not been able to enter the Rainbow District School Board office or any high schools in that board since 2012. (Anita Gibson)

Anita Gibson, who is mired in a long-running feud with Director of Education Norm Blaseg and the Rainbow District School Board, is calling on the Minister of Education to assist in her newest battle.

Because of a no trespass order against Anita Gibson and her husband Dylan, the family won't be able to attend a dance recital at Sudbury Secondary School with their 1st-grade daughter.

The Gibsons have been banned from entering the board office or any high schools in the board system since 2012.

In a written letter to the Minister, Gibson said she is "seeking immediate relief from restrictions imposed on me by the director of education at the RDSB and that [he] be subject to an independent investigation...."

The ban is a result of an alleged conflict after a board meeting between the Gibsons and Tyler Campbell, a former trustee.

Anita and Dylan Gibson were banned after an alleged conflict with then-trustee Tyler Campbell. (Ontario School Trustees )

Campbell later resigned as trustee amid allegations of conflict of interest in a decision to build a soccer bubble at Lasalle Secondary School.

Gibson hopes that Education Minister Mitzie Hunter looks into the situation.

"I've seen recent actions from her that show she's willing to step in and maybe have a look," Gibson said. "In the past I've been told boards are their separate entities and there's not really much anyone can do."

"So I'm hopeful now that maybe someone can take a look at the issue at the very least."

Recently, Hunter ordered an urgent review of a school board in southern Ontario after controversy over allegations of racism.

A Ministry spokesperson said they couldn't comment on the situation, but confirmed they have received Gibson's letter, and the matter is under review.
Anita Gibson has called on the ministry to investigate the no trespass order imposed by Norm Blaseg, the director of education at Rainbow District School Board. (Roger Corriveau/CBC)