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Controversial changes may be in works for Catholic school board Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services Published Monday, January 16, 2012
"We do not discuss personnel because that's policy," said Mary Vane when contacted by phone Saturday. Other board members were similarly tight-lipped and directed all calls to Vane. "Look, you're calling me at home thinking I'm going to talk about a personnel issue? And you know I am not," said board member Lee Stroman. "The best thing would be to come to the board meeting next Wednesday evening, because I am not going to be talking about it for sure." According to a Facebook group called "Show Support for YCS's Johnnie Bowden & Claudia Parker" plans are indeed being made for a huge turnout of support at the next board meeting, this Wednesday. The group states the contracts are up for renewal, but does not offer an official source for this information. As of Saturday afternoon, the group had about 318 supporters. The group states Bowden has worked with the board for 32 years, while Parker has been there for 27, and its wall is plastered with fond memories of the two educators, posted by past and current students. Board member Barb McDonald also said she had no comment on the subject, but said all are welcome to attend Wednesday's meeting. "It is open to the public." Board member Rose-Marie Jackson explained that because the board code of conduct requires all questions for personnel be directed to the board chair, she also could not comment. "I encourage you to come to the board meeting on Wednesday," she said. St. Patrick High School principal Coleen McDonald would not comment on the matter, explaining she had been advised by the board to expect calls from media and to direct them to Vane. She had a close working relationship with Bowden, having been vice-principal under him at St. Pat's for eight years. Bowden was a longtime principal of the school. Calls left by News/North at the residences of Bowden and Parker were not returned on Saturday.
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