By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) public meeting on Feb. 25, chaired by Michael Murray, discussions centred around teacher qualifications, violence in schools, and a range of administrative and operational matters. The meeting addressed community concerns, policy updates, and recognized educational achievements across the region.
Teacher qualifications debate
The meeting opened with a heated discussion on the hiring practices of qualified versus non-qualified teachers. Representatives from the ATA raised concerns about the use of non-legally qualified substitutes, emphasizing that “legally qualified teachers should be prioritized for the benefit of students and staff.” The ATA argued that the practice of hiring unqualified substitutes, sometimes due to cost considerations, compromised educational standards and negatively impacted special needs students.
Murray responded by clarifying that “salary considerations do not influence hiring decisions at the school level,” as the board centrally manages teacher salaries. He also noted the ongoing teacher shortage, stating that “unqualified does not mean poor teachers; it simply means individuals without certification.” The board aims to prioritize qualified teachers but continues to face challenges in meeting demand on a short-term basis.
Violence in schools sparks concern
Violence in schools was another key issue. The ATA expressed its concern about the normalization of violence against staff, citing instances where teachers were told that being hit or kicked by students is a risk inherent to the profession. “The ATA completely disagrees with this message from the senior administration,” a representative stated, urging commissioners to denounce this narrative.
Murray acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that “violence in schools is not new,” but emphasized the need for context, as each incident can stem from a variety of factors. “We would all agree it’s not something we encourage, but it’s also something we acknowledge can happen,” he said.
The ATA proposed collaborating with the Health and Safety Committee on a violence survey to gather data for more effective interventions. Murray expressed support for the initiative, confirming that the ETSB would provide a written response soon.
