The backlash caused by four Brantford school trustees who enjoyed a publicly-funded trip to Italy in July continues to roll in, with the board’s Director of Education now saying he did not approve any of the expenses.
Over the summer, Rick Petrella, school board chair, and three others, Dan Dignard, Bill Chopp and Mark Watson, went to South Tyrol, where they purchased $100,000 worth of custom art for two new high schools.
Reactions from parents, students, and teachers’ union members came pouring in after the trip became public knowledge, placing a target on the back of Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board’s (BHNCDSB) education director, Mike McDonald.
McDonald’s signature was on the form signing off the on the lavish trip. However, he has since put out a statement denying having any involvement.
In the written message, McDonald said he did not approve any expenses, and the reason for his name being tied to the controversial vacation is simply because of a software issue.
“On June 7, 2024, the Trustee Expenses policy was changed to remove BHNCDSB staff as approvers for all expenses of the Chair of the Board and other trustees,” the statement read.
“The Director of Education’s name appears on the documentation only because the Board’s expense submission software application had not been updated to reflect the policy changes regarding approvals.”
The message went on to say the policy changes in June made it so the director, or any other staff, of the BHNCDSB did not have the authority to approve or reject trustee expenses.
