Education Ministers kicks out SD 79 Board
By Contributor
Surrey School District superintendent Mike McKay has been appointed as the official trustee for School District 79 (Cowichan Valley), Minster of Education George Abbott announced today.
With the appointment of the official trustee, members of the Cowichan Valley Board of Education cease to hold office.
The decision to appoint an official trustee was precipitated by the board’s refusal to submit a balanced budget for the upcoming school year by June 30, as required by the School Act.
“”It’s regrettable that the Cowichan Valley Board chose to put political advocacy ahead of their obligation to submit a balanced budget,” Minister Abbott said.
“The responsible management of district finances to support student learning and achievement is a central responsibility of all boards of education. I have been very clear and consistent that their course of action would result in them being relieved of their duties.”
With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Mike McKay is widely regarded as one of the most respected and talented educational leaders in British Columbia.
He is currently the superintendent of the Surrey School District, the largest and most diverse school district in B.C. McKay also has strong connections to the Cowichan Valley and Vancouver Island, having previously served as the principal of Cowichan Secondary and as superintendent for the neighbouring Saanich School District.
As official trustee, McKay will assume all the duties and responsibilities typically required of a board of education, including the obligations to conduct public board meetings and community consultations.
The official trustee will work with SD 79 staff to submit and implement a balanced budget for the upcoming school year and establish a sustainable, long-term plan to improve student achievement and service delivery.
