THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2013
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SUPERINTENDENT’S RESIGNATION
Public seeks some info School board chair Kershaw says position to be filled ‘as quickly as we can’ JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
The public is asking questions, but work continues at the school district offices after the resignation this week of Superintendent Jim Ansell, says school board chair Lynette Kershaw. “Any turnover of staff brings with it a change but we are dealing with it the best we can,” Kershaw said Wednesday. “I’m very confident in the staff we have.” District 69 issued a news release Monday afternoon announcing Ansell’s resignation after The NEWS, responding to a tip, asked for comment Monday morning on what was just a rumour late last week. The release said Ansell was leaving to “pursue other opportunities in his educational career.” Ansell was hired in August, 2011 and his last day will be April 1. Assistant superintendent Rollie Koop is currently the acting superintendent. Kershaw said Wednesday the district will issue another statement later this week or early next, in regards to the timing of the search to replace Ansell. “The superintendent is a pivotal position and we’re looking to fill it as quickly as we can.” The NEWS has heard from members of the public concerned about what’s happening at the district, which will have its third superintendent in two years. “I think the public deserves to know why (aside from the vague reference to other educational opportunities) he is resigning in the middle of the school year,” one person wrote on our Facebook page. “Was there some internal disagreement or problem with his working relationship within the board? If so, I think we should be told. The nature of the disagreements need not be specified, but it is highly unusual for a top administrator to leave in this manner.”
JOHN HARDING PHOTO
Thousands of tons of herring were unloaded from boats at French Creek Marina on Tuesday afternoon after two busy days on the water near Parksville Qualicum Beach.
HERRING FISHERY
‘So much fish arriving at once’ Department of Fisheries expects the fishery to wrap up this week NEIL HORNER news@pqbnews.com
The activity off the beaches on the central Island has slowed, but it’s not over yet, says Department of Fisheries and Oceans scientist Greg Thomas.
“The fishery is ongoing for gill nets but they are nearly done,” Thomas said. “They only have about 200 tons out of their 6,700 tons remaining.” The seine fleet isn’t doing as well, with only just in excess of 4,000 tons caught so far. “The industry has slowed their catch because of problems with capacity to deal with packing and offloading, Thomas said. “There has
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been so much fish arriving at once.” He said the area of the herring spawn has spread to between 40 and 50 miles, mostly between Parksville and Nile Creek and in Lambert Channel on the east side of Denman Island. Thomas said he expects the fishery to wrap up within the next few days. However, the herring spawn will continue.
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