Bussing, busses and board appointments

The Eastern Townships School Board announced the appointment of Eva Lettner to the position of Director of Instructional Technology and Pedagogical Services at Tuesday evening’s Council of Commissioners meeting. The appointment is part of an administrative restructuring that was sparked by the departure of Director General Christian Provencher in December. With new DG Kandy Mackey and assistant DG Michel Soucy vacating their previous positions to assume new roles, the board seized the opportunity to reorganize the responsibilities of upper management as the vacant positions are filled. Lettner was previously Director of Continuing Education. Her appointment was approved unanimously by the board members. During question period, Appalachian Teachers’ Association President Megan Seline asked the board why the Richmond Regional and Galt sectors of the board had their own bus drivers but in the Massey-Vanier area the routes were contracted out, combined with the Val des Cerfs school board. ETSB Chairman Mike Murray explained that the difference in bussing services was the result of a historical anomaly. In the 1970s management of busses was taken away from school boards. While somehow the east managed to retain control, the western sector sold its busses and contracted out the work. Subsequently, a joint agreement was formed with Val des Cerfs. Murray said the agreement represents significant savings financially, and also has a cultural advantage for students. Seline also asked the board if there were a policy or procedure in place to address elementary age students leaving school grounds without permission. DG Kandy Mackey said that an issue of that type was dealt with locally, within the rules of a given school. See full story in the Thursday, March 29th edition of The Record.

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