To the editor,
It's unfortunate Ken Denike chose to misrepresent events at the VSB in his "Letter of the Week," April 18. As he knows, school district management staff decided to unplug the "mosquito" devices in order to report to trustees regarding their use on school properties and to get further direction from the board. This came in response to questions from the public to trustees regarding the use of the devices at their neighbourhood schools.
Being the VSB's longest serving trustee and in possession of the facts in this case, Mr. Denike should know by now that it is wrong to make misleading statements about his colleagues ("The board chair appears to have taken unilateral action"-no I didn't go out and unplug them myself!)
It's standard practice for management to brief trustees on issues that have potential legal components during private sessions. That has now occurred and discussion and deliberation will proceed in public committee, beginning on May 1 at the VSB's Planning and Facilities meeting at 5:30 pm.
While Mr. Denike may prefer to continue to use the devices without public notification, public health officials' advice, discussion with school neighbours, public debate and consideration of potential human rights issues, I'm confident the majority of the board will ensure there is a fair and open review so the board is able to make informed and thoughtful policy decisions about the safety, efficacy and appropriateness of the devices' use on school property.
Patti Bacchus, Chairperson, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Board of Education
