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North Okanagan-Shuswap trustees go before advisor

Special advisor Liz Watson will be at the board office this week as part of her government-appointed duties.
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Parents and staff have raised concerns about the budgeting process at the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.

The process to reform the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District is moving ahead.

Special advisor Liz Watson will be at the board office this week as part of her government-appointed duties.

“She will meet with every trustee and perhaps with trustees as a group,” said Bob Fowler, an Armstrong-Spallumcheen trustee.

The board asked for the Ministry of Education to appoint a trustee after widespread community concerns about the transfer of $10.5 million in operational surpluses to capital funding over the past five years, as well as three trustees resigning.

Watson will look at governance practices, board relationships with district management and external stakeholders, board accountability and evaluation mechanisms, budgeting processes and capital planning.

“She will formulate a plan for us to follow so we have more effective governance,” said Fowler.

“There seems to be a disconnect with the trustees and administration. I believe the process will help us be a better board.”

Watson is expected to provide a report to the ministry by May 20.