Editor:
Re: Pay raise passes for school board trustees, Record, Jan. 17
I think it’s a real shame that (a) school board trustee found it “offensive” that Mary Lalji would suggest that they forgo pay raises this year in favour of funding student programs.
I’m not suggesting that the school trustees are paid too much or not enough - they have a hard job and should be compensated. The real shame is that they wouldn’t even consider how that money could otherwise be use before attacking Lalji for the suggestion.
It strikes me as an abuse of position to so vehemently put one’s own position first when your role is to serve the public.
In that respect, I think we are fortunate that the school board has the independent voice of Lalji, as it is otherwise dominated by the Team Cote slate.
Perhaps in the next election we can look at electing more independent trustees who may be open to considering alternative ideas and options for funding student programs.
James Silvester, New Westminster
