Cariboo-Chilcotin School Board set to discuss controversial changes

Photo - MyCaribooNow staff

It could be a contentious school board meeting in Williams Lake tonight. (Jan 26)

The Cariboo Chilcotin School Board is scheduled to talk about some controversial changes to the way it conducts meetings that are being considered.

That includes preventing the public from attending Board meetings in person, as well as having to submit your questions in writing by 2 o’clock in the afternoon on the day of the meeting.

   All delegations would also be done virtually.

This is part of the District’s procedural bylaw that governs procedural operations, including the role of trustees, the management of meetings, and public participation.

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorene Doerkson has also raised concerns about the potential changes.

“I attended the most recent public School District board meeting and observed significant frustration among attendees regarding the discussion of a potential closure of the public gallery during monthly board meetings.  This issue is clearly of serious concern to many parents in our community.  I have received numerous emails, messages, and comments on this topic, and I understand the Board has received many of these same communications.”

Doerkson went on to say that while he fully recognizes and respects the School Board’s role as a level of governance within the province, he too has concerns regarding any potential restriction of public access to meetings.

“I would respectfully encourage trustees to carefully consider the impact that closing the public gallery could have on parents and the broader community. Open access to these meetings is an important part of maintaining transparency and public trust.”

Tonight’s (Jan 26) meeting starts at 6-30.