Hay River (Apr 07/03) - Hay River representative Andrew Butler has been kicked off the South Slave Divisional Educational Council (SSDEC).

Andrew Butler, chair of the Hay River District Education Authority, has been kicked off the South Slave Divisional Education Council. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Butler, the chair of the Hay River District Education Authority (DEA), was accused of violating the SSDEC's code of conduct, most recently by allegedly misrepresenting budget and allocation decisions.

The SSDEC claims he also unfairly criticized two council employees in the media.

In a March 26 letter, SSDEC chair Ann Pischinger advised Butler to "immediately vacate" his seat, as provided for under the Education Act.

"I've been very vocal on Hay River at the direction of my board, and I guess the SSDEC is getting tired of it," Butler says.

The rest of the Hay River DEA is not accepting the decision. At its April 2 meeting, it decided to send a letter to Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jake Ootes challenging the SSDEC move.

The letter argues the dismissal procedure was illegal. "In order for council members to arrive at such a decision, a meeting must have been duly called, whether through telephone conference or phone polling."

Pischinger says the decision was made with the direction and consensus of all other SSDEC members.

She adds Butler was given the opportunity on more than one occasion to change his behaviour.

The DEA letter asks Ootes for a legal opinion on the removal procedure and any possible violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right of free expression.

In a series of letters between Pischinger and Butler leading up to his dismissal, Pischinger wrote that "negative and statistically incomplete comments" about a staff member violated the SSDEC's code of conduct.

"We are informed that negative public comments made about individuals or that can be traced to individuals may be deemed harassment or slander and member liability is not protected by legislation in these situations."

In a newspaper article, Butler was quoted as questioning what a full-time secretary - treasurer would do in Fort Resolution and the number of times another SSDEC employee had visited Hay River.

"Some of the reasons are pretty Mickey Mouse and pretty one-sided," Butler says of his dismissal.

"No more than what I expected."

In her final letter, Pischinger wrote that previous warnings and discussion had not made Butler a "more positive and productive team player..."

When contacted, she said, "As a council, we look forward to moving ahead and rebuilding a positive relationship with the Hay River DEA."

The DEA has not named a new representative to the SSDEC.

It intends to send an observer to the council's next meeting.

Butler said he will be unable to attend because of another commitment.

Naming another representative would almost be like condoning the SSDEC's actions, said DEA member Dave MacDonald.

The issue is just the latest in an ongoing dispute between the SSDEC and the Hay River DEA, which previously called for the community to have its own school board.

Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey says it may be time for the community to look again at establishing its own board, adding he fully supports that idea.