Dear Editor:
Last week, The Record ran an article titled "Trustee's motion for 'equal' info passes" (Oct. 26). There was no such motion. However, trustees did pass a motion to instruct staff to consult with the Board of Education in a timely manner, prior to all public meetings conducted by the board. The motion was not about equal access to information. The motion was:
"That the Board of Education of School District No. 40 (New Westminster) instruct staff to consult with trustees prior to all public consultation meetings conducted by the Board of Education including, information and workshop meetings and to provide information regarding these meetings (and background information) to the board in a timely manner."
Timely and sufficient information is essential for the Board of Education to fulfill its governance role. It is my position, however, that the motion in question was unnecessary, and further, when presented as it has been in the media, risks creating a distorted view of the board's process and interactions. How and when we as board members receive information is important. However, such matters must occur by way of effective communication, not through attempts to manage by motion.
An unrelated and unsubstantiated issue regarding equal access to information and the board's ability to conduct its work has been raised. Concerns over timeliness of and access to information, need to be addressed at the board table where trustees have the opportunity to discuss such matters as a group. Presenting these concerns in the media in the absence of context and discussion is divisive and unproductive at best.
When we were elected as trustees to the Board of Education of School District 40, we pledged to work together to effectively carry out the duties of the board. It is the board's responsibility to address communication concerns at the board table so that we can focus on the important work in front of us. I expect as much as a community member, parent and voter.
Jonina Campbell, school trustee
