JUDO ATHLETES GRAB MEDALS A29 NOVEMBER 21, 2012
$1.34 includes HST
100milefreepress.net
CENTRE ICE
LOCAL SAR RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT A3
Arlene Jongbloets photo
100 MILE RANCH REACHES 100 YEARS B1
INSIDE
opinion A8 letters A9 entertainment B13 sports A28 community B1 classifieds A32
The voice of the South Cariboo since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net
The South Cariboo Rec. Centre was buzzing with minor hockey action during the weekend, including a couple of Atom House games. Referee Caily Mellott, centre, holds the puck, while centres Jeremy Quesnel of South Cariboo Dental, left, and Colby McCullough of Free Press prepare themselves for the face-off in a late morning game on Nov. 17.
Disillusioned DPAC head packs it in School board’s lack of parent involvement cited
Carole Rooney Free Press
The head of the parent groups for School District #27 (SD27) will step down next term under her ongoing frustrations with the school board and its staff. District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) president Rhonda McCreight told the board at its Nov. 7 special meeting that she has had enough of its practice of putting politics over parents. After her role as DPAC president for three years and a member for six, McCreight says she still strongly believes in the parent’s rights to have a role in their child’s education. “It’s legislated through government – DPAC’s number 1 role is to advise the board on anything to do with education. “That consultation is a joke; it’s not
what they do. They inform people.” “I think the board is being used There is language in the School as a political pawn. They are brand Act to include the DPAC in issues, new, they’re doing the best they can, she adds. but I don’t think the public realizes “PACs [local Parent Advisory just how gagged they are.” Councils] and DPACs have an inteMcCreight says she has no issues gral part of decision-making with the individual trustees in our Public Ed system. who work hard. “I do not feel this board has One way to involve parequitable or inclusive pracents more would be to offer tices. The policies and the all board meetings on ITV, structure - the way they do she explains, so rural partheir meetings and operate is ents can stay informed more often done very exclusively.” easily. RHONDA In-camera board sessions “The effort is not even are held too frequently, MCCREIGHT made; they’re just not she adds, and an exclusive included.” system doesn’t allow parents “true McCreight notes her reasons for consultation and true partnership,” not seeking re-election as DPAC McCreight claims. president was “a personal choice” “The system is so ‘hegemonic’. The that has nothing to do with its own district office has ‘run’ this board directors. since ... I was a little girl, so 30 or “[The DPAC] board members are 40 years. absolutely amazing people. We’ve
spent hundreds of hours of volunteer time. We need to be valued by the board.” SD27 chair Will Van Osch says the board wants to involve parents more. “Whether we’ve done a good job on that up until now is debatable, I suppose.” He explains there are “some rough guidelines” as to DPACs role in the school system, but some parents have expressed a desire to vote on board decisions, or to have “more say than is possible” to have. “There are restrictions in the system as far as what people can be included in. I’m not sure whether their expectations as a DPAC, or as parents in general, align with how far they actually can be included.” Privacy issues apply to any issues with real estate or land, legal aspects or personnel, Van Osch notes. Continued on A6