The Brantford trustees that are under fire following a lavish international trip are now being called on by a union to resign from their posts.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) are calling on Chair Rick Petrella, Dan Dignard, Bill Chopp, and Mark Watson to step down immediately in order to restore trust within the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB).
The union issued a statement this week calling out the board for not investing more into students and staff when it “boasted” about a $33-million surplus. It was revealed that the Brantford trustees expensed close to $50,000 on a trip to Italy, including $100,000 on artwork and more than $1,600 on a single meal.
Despite the trustees’ intention to pay back the costs, the union says resignations are a must at this point.
“I think everyone is pretty outraged. Many members work two jobs just to survive today’s economy. Knowing that $1,600 was spent on four people without thinking twice is just mind blowing,” says OSSTF President Carlee Bond.
“Agreeing to pay back after the backlash doesn’t seem like it’s being done in good faith, and with no timeline. The members aren’t buying it and the public isn’t buying it. As a collective union, we decided to stand in unity with the [Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association] because they also sent out a letter and we’ve asked for the resignation of the trustees.”
CHCH News contacted the BHNCDSB, asking if the trustees intend to resign and about the repayment. We’re waiting for a response.
Ontario’s education minister has made it clear that her ministry will be reviewing the discretionary spending of every school board in the province.
“Yesterday, I met with every school board chair and director of education in Ontario to reiterate the ministry of education’s expectations when it comes to school board spending and the prudent use of taxpayer dollars,” Jill Dunlop wrote in a statement to CHCH News.
“I have formally informed every board that we will be reviewing discretionary expenses and include it as part of the semi-annual disclosure of board financials.”
This follows a slew of school boards under scrutiny for expensive travel, including the Halton Catholic District School Board.
