Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Mar 19/99) - Fort Simpson Mayor Norm Prevost hasn't backed away from the words he stated last week in regards to the problems he says are plaguing the education system.

Prevost reiterated his position during Monday's village council meeting, even though he was challenged by councillor and teacher Tom Wilson.

During the mayor's report, Prevost announced that Nahendeh MLA, Premier Jim Antoine, was meeting with Minister of Education Charles Dent to discuss the possibility of arranging a second forum on education for Fort Simpson. However, this time the forum would involve only parents.

Wilson immediately took umbrage with the idea that teachers would be shut out.

"You seem to be taking this personally," Prevost said in regards to Wilson's reaction.

Wilson replied, "I have a problem with council condoning the fact that people can make accusations at a secret meeting.... I'm just trying to get on equal footing."

After stating that "teachers hold private meetings every day," Prevost said the purpose of the forum wouldn't be to make accusations against teachers, but to speak about educational issues without fear of reprisal. It's nothing personal, he insisted, rather it's about the way the system is run. Yet Prevost claimed that many members of the community haven't voiced their opinion because they fear their children will be "picked on or punished" at school.

"They don't want to be harassed about what they say," he said, adding that he's had personal experience with such things so he knows they can occur.

Wilson proceeded to ask Prevost about his choice to speak out in the capacity of mayor at last week's constituency meeting without having council's approval.

Prevost, who said his phone has been ringing off the hook from supporters, responded, "I was representing the whole village, not just the council. I represent the whole community because they elected me."

Wilson then asked if Prevost would take the liberty to do such a thing even if council openly disagreed with him.

"Exactly," Prevost said. "It's serious. This isn't coming from Norm Prevost, it's coming from the community. We don't like what we're hearing from the students or the residents...it's not a one-man show."

Prevost added that he expected some "jaws to drop to the table" when some of the troubling issues he was referring to finally came to light during the District Education Authority meeting held on Tuesday evening.

Former DEA chair Gerard Fradsham was scheduled to make a presentation during that meeting.