The president of the Prince George District Teachers Association (PGDTA) is calling on the School District No. 57 chair to resign.
In a social media post, PGDTA President Daryl Beauregard said Rachael Weber should resign after her statement regarding private education.
Weber was asked to clarify her position after she liked a public Facebook group for The Discovery Academy Homeschool Learning Centre in Prince George, which describes itself as a “an amazing opportunity to rethink how we educate our children especially given the lack of choice and the corruption in our current system.”
Weber, who is also running as an MLA for the newly formed Conservative Party of British Columbia, said she addressed the topic on her social media and said she supports both private and public education.
“Private schools often offer specialized programs and smaller class sizes providing personalized attention to students. However, public education ensures accessibility to education. Supporting both sectors can help create a balanced education system that meets a diverse needs of students,” said Weber.
“I also believe that parents should have every right to decide what type of education is best for their children. Our government and unions do not have the right to take that away.”
Beauregard responded that “SD57 board chair couldn't be more contemptuous for the hard work staff do every day for public education. A trustee should have unquestioned support of public ed without being in deliberate conflict. Disgraceful. She should resign.”
Beauregard also pointed out that the board’s own policy manual says board members should act as an advocate for public education and the school district in a non-partisan way.
The Conservative Party of British Columbia’s website says the party advocates for parents choice and states that the “Government must provide fair and reasonable funding to families for the type of education they choose for their children. This includes public, private or homeschooling.”
The Conservative Party’s website also references schools as places of indoctrination stating, “Political bias and ideology have no place in B.C.’s education curriculum and must be removed immediately. Schools must be places of learning – not tools for activism and indoctrination.”
The party has also stated it wants to end SOGI 123 programming in favour of a zero-tolerance anti-bullying approach.
During the previous board of education meeting on Sept. 26, which was attended by anti-SOGI protestors, Beauregard gave a presentation regarding the board’s policies, highlighting policy 4117 which outlines the board’s commitment to maintaining a safe positive environment for all students, families and employees including those who self-identify as LGBTQ+.
He asked the board to take ownership of their polices, and if unwilling to do so, to table some amendments.
Following that meeting the district posted a ‘letter to the community’ from Weber and Acting Superintendent Pam Spooner on its website.
“The Board of Education for School District No. 57 is responsible for providing an education system that is a safe, welcoming environment, free from racism, discrimination, harassment, and violence and that is inclusive and affirming for all students, staff and community members,” states the letter.
“The Board and staff recognize and value diversity and celebrate diversity within its school communities and believes that each individual contributes to the richness of the school environment.”
