Dear Editor:
Re. Provincial body accepts conflict resolution, The Record, March 21.
An excellent article, but one that does require some clarification for the record.
The New Westminster district parents' advisory council's proposed resolution does not want teachers banned from sitting on education boards as stated, only that they take a leave of absence while campaigning, and resign their position if elected, as per both Ontario and Alberta statutes.
I fully agree with trustees Jonina Campbell and David Phelan's assertion that being teachers, they can bring to the board an insider's perspective that can greatly contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiencies of the New Westminster school district. By removing themselves from active teaching duty (and by implication, the B.C. Teachers' Federation) while sitting on the board, they can be in the best possible position to make a positive contribution and not be hindered by any conflict of interest from any of the stakeholder groups.
Rob Peregoodoff, Queen Elizabeth DPAC rep and New Westminster DPAC secretary
