At his first board meeting since being appointed special trustee of the North Okangan-Shuswap School District, Mike McKay didn’t promise that his decisions would please everyone. But he did promise the public there would be no surprises.
Last Tuesday’s meeting looked remarkably different from previous board sessions, as McKay sat at the front of a crowded room flanked by the superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Interest in the meeting was high and more chairs were brought in to accommodate the gallery.
McKay first attempted to address concerns regarding the government appointment of his ‘one-man board’ to run the school district.
“I’m not a representative of government. I’m not here to do the provincial government’s bidding… My priority is to ensure that every child in this system is given the opportunity to thrive.”
McKay said he does not intend to come in and immediately rescind or alter motions made by previous boards.
“Nothing will be done without community consultation, laying out all the variables and trying to arrive at the best possible outcomes. There aren’t going to be eureka solutions where everyone gets what they want. But decisions will be made with openness and transparency. That’s my commitment.”
The agenda included an item to rescind previous motions, which sparked concern among some community members that McKay might make immediate changes. The only motions rescinded were those involving the byelection which had previously been planned for the fall to replace the three trustees who resigned before the board was dismissed.
This means there will be no change to the configuration of Ranchero and Silver Creek elementary schools, which will become K-Grade 8 schools in September. A previously cancelled bus route from Ranchero to Shuswap Middle School will be reinstated to reduce disruptions. The bus for three Silver Creek cross-boundary students attending Shuswap Middle School will not be returned to service.
McKay set a four-month meeting schedule, changing start time from 4 p.m. to 6 to better accommodate public access. The meetings will be held once a month on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.
McKay noted he would not be in Salmon Arm full-time but will schedule public consultation meetings in each of the region’s communities beginning in the fall. He also hopes to conduct the majority of meetings in person, but may use remote technology if necessary. He included the possibility of live-streaming meetings, if possible.
McKay also officially accepted special adviser Liz Watson’s report, saying many of the 42 recommendations will form the framework for setting direction and priorities for his tenure in the position.
McKay outlined his commitment to remain as the official trustee in the school district until the next scheduled election in November 2018 or until removed from the position by a provincial order-in-council.
