Education authority member resigns
Paul MacDonald blasts board on his way out
Shawn Giilck
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, November 20, 2014
INUVIK
The Inuvik District Education Authority is down a member following a sudden resignation.
Paul MacDonald tendered his resignation two weeks ago, although the exact date is unclear, as are his reasons.
He declined to provide a copy of his letter of resignation from the authority, and said some of his reasons for resigning are confidential.
"I joined to help and initiate positive change due to my background working with the youth in the community and first hand knowledge of the issues faced by our youth," MacDonald told the Inuvik Drum.
"I am but one voice on the board and the direction of the board is to remain status quo (rather) then to enact change. Having served two years I feel the direction of the board is to merely sit back and check boxes and spend an inordinate amount of time discussing non-serious or personal issues but not to enact positive change in the areas that matter most which is to the benefit of our students."
MacDonald has been at odds with the authority for some time, including controversially calling for it to make sure that non-aboriginal students receive gifts comparable to those presented to aboriginal students last spring.
"To avoid creating further conflict within the board, and because we are not solving the issues I personally feel are important to our youth, I felt it necessary to resign," he said.
"My focus was the benefit of the students and not board members who are parents discussing and focusing on their personal issues. I would direct you to the chair of the board as some matters are confidential."
Judy Harder, chair of the district education authority, could not be reached for comment.
Vice-chair Paul Watters declined to comment on MacDonald's resignation.
MacDonald was also critical of the education system system he was elected to oversee.
"I am but one person, the issues far surpass my abilities to impact change so I would politely suggest you look at the board and educational system," he said.
"How many youth have left this community to further their education after graduating Grade 12? What issues did those that seek post secondary education actually face in the south as a result of their education level? What is the standard of education on a direct comparison, to southern students' education? What is the number and types of trades classes at the East Three Secondary Level over the past five years? When the first test that actually matters is a student's drivers exam, is there a problem? Are we condemning our students to poverty or social assistance because they don't have the basic skills?"
