By Matthew McCully – According to a recent survey done by The Record, 91 per cent of respondents believe that it is important for the English community to have its own school board. The majority also disagree with the government’s proposal to replace boards with a new model. While support for school boards was clear, the survey also illustrated that Townshippers believe parents should have more say in school governance. “I like the sense that the community thinks the school board is important,” commented Eastern Townships School Board Chairman Mike Murray. Regarding more parent input in governance, Murray said it’s a request he hears often, but when the opportunity arises, parents don’t take advantage. “On governing boards, schools have difficulty filling spots,” Murray said. Some schools have trouble finding a representative to sit on the Central Parents’ Committee, he added, pointing out that it is a direct line to the board administration. “And I sympathize,” Murray said. “Parents are busy with jobs, child care, plus all the rest.” See full story in the Wednesday, Jan. 30 edition of The Record.
