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= NEWS = SCHOOL BOARD HAS ABDICATED ITS = RESPONSIBILITIES, SAY HALTON MPPS | Thursday, Mi STATEMENT COMES 3 AMID CONTROVERSY 2 SURROUNDING 3 TEACHER'S ATTIRE KATHY YANCHUS: kyanchus@metroland.com On Feb. 28, three Halton mem- bers of the provincial parliament (MPPs) issued a joint statement regarding the Halton District School Board (HDSB), a day prior presenting its draft professionali policy. policy was requested by HDSB trustees j in the wake of es- Stephen Crawford photo STEPHEN CRAWFORD Effie Triantafilopoulos and Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre said the board had a responsibili- ty to students, parents and staff to provide a safe, “bealthy and en- couraging place to learn. The MPPs said they echoed the statement made recently by Education Minister Stephen Lec- ce that, " "the HDSB had abdicated ized clothing and was attracting international attention. The HDSB maintained the teacher was protected by equity and hu- ‘ville MPP Stephen Craw- ford, Oakville North-Burlington its by failing to put the interests and safety of stu- dents first. “Parents have every right to be frustrated by the lack of leader- ship displayed by the HDSB. We join Minister Lecce's call for the HDSB to reaffirm the expectation of parents by imposing a profes- sional standard, and ensuring students are able to learn ina safe and respectful school envir ment," concludes the statement. Crawford said the issue was “at the top of the list” when it came to calls and emails received. by his office. "I would just like to see some action on behalf of the school Ss id HDSB HIRING SPECIAL ADVISER KATHY YANCHUS ey seem to be tak- ing their time putting it together, which in the meantime is causing chaos in our education system be- cause we have students that are fearful for going to school, we have parents that are fearful for sending their kids to school and we have many students that are incomfortable with the status quo; they're uncomfortable going to the individual teacher's class, ey're fortab! ing i their presence, they're un fortable with the bomb threats." Wh are doing in issu- ing their statement, said Craw- ford, "is raising the voices of con- with the status quo and the school board not effectively deal- ing with this issue.” y com The Halton District School Board (HDSB) will be retaining the services of a special adviser, but reports that it is to help re- solve the controversial situation Oakville ar High School, and the standoff between. parents and the poard are false, according A ation nope a rought for- ward and passed during a private session of the board March 1. It reads as follows: “Be it resolved that the board of trustees, in collaboration with the director, retain the services of aspecial adviser for a temporary engagement to work with the di- rector, senior administration and the board of trustees to refocus their efforts to achieve the foun- dational elements of the multi- “man of a million words and a million laughs; year strategic plan.” In a joint statement, board chair Margo Shuttleworth and HDSSB director of education Cur- tis Ennis said, "We acknowledge that although it has been a diffi- cult time for the HDSB, the idea that the sole purpose of this spe- cial advisor is to focus on one spe- cific situation is inaccurate. “Our focus is to continue io evaluate our way forward. help us do this with a fresh set of eyes, we have chosen to bring on. special advisor to provide advice on refocusing our efforts in a pos- itive way that is respectful of all our students, staff, parents/ guardians and community and reflects our values." The HDSBisin thefinalstages of retaining a preferred candi- date and once finalized, that in- formation will be made available, the statement concluded. Globe(&iMail Individuals KTIUS ty Payroll, HST including Tax Amnesty, & Reassessments Tax Audit, & Appeal CRA Collection Instalment Taxpayer Relief and Fairness Chartered Professional Accountant. Member of Canadian Tax Foundation (647) 989-1276 yy@yangaccounting.ca YanéTax Resolution Oakville Office: (289) 291-3924 Toronto Office: (647) 255-8049 Make an Appointment Today for a Free Confidential Consultation insidehalton.com For an affordable solution to your Business and Individual tax difficulties ... BACK WHERE'T BEL 30PM Arts: 905 815 2021 Thursda March 2. Oakville Centre for the Performin = Always Here to SHOPPERS Help You! ~ DE. RANGO PHARMAGY.INC. ¥ Patient Counselling y Complete Diabetic.c yReSea /-Home Visits / Consultations / Free RX Deliver / Free Nutrition Counselling Vaccinations / Cholesterol; AIC, AFib and DNA.Screening m (+ BW AWAW Ad aLod o} oX-Sa-tel atte lait-1a met-|