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[think local]

Have your say on two important issues - Greater Victoria School District In-Camera & Annual Operating Budget Policies, Regulations & Bylaws
Are you interested in how the Greater Victoria School District trustees make decisions? Here's your chance to hear them and have them hear your thoughts on two very important issues - In Camera & Annual Operating Budget Policies, Regulations & Bylaws. The good part is that the July 19, 1987 Policies, Regulations & Bylaws are to be updated. The details are on SD61 website: http://www.sd61.bc.ca/opsmeetings.aspx

I will be urging the trustees to spend more time discussing these topics, not to approve tonight's suggested Motions. This is the public's opportunity to change decisions being made behind locked doors. Most organizations only occasionally go In Camera. SD61 trustees seem to have an In Camera meeting before most of their meetings and rarely report out what has been discussed. Too much SD61 business has been done without the trustees engaging in public debate. Hearing that debate allows us to make informed decisions and elect trustees who are committed to each student's success in learning within a responsive and safe environment as stated in their Mission Statement.

Major changes are also recommended in updating the Annual Operating Budget Policy & Regulation 3501. This is your chance to ask why the trustees believe the changes are an improvement and for them to hear your opinions.

Monday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tolmie Building, 556 Boleskine Rd. is the time to engage in dialogue with SD61 elected trustees on important issues. See you there.

Linda Travers

Taken from www.vpec.org

School District 61 In-Camera meetings happen regularly and encompass topics which should be discussed at public meetings. These In-Camera meetings limit the publics awareness of how these elected trustees are making decisions.

In-Camera meetings in other School Districts are held only to discuss personnel, property, individual student or employee matters, legal concerns, or negotiating collective agreements, contracts or the sale or purchase of land.

How do you feel about the lack open, transparent governance on the part of your elected trustees? Should SD61 School Trustees approve the motion being presented at the 7:30 pm, November 8th Operations Policy and Planning Cttee meeting?