School board approves audit of their performance

In the coming months, School District 57's seven trustees will make their performance part of board business.

More than a year and a half after being elected to the role, at Tuesday night's meeting each voted in favour of conducting a performance review.

Longtime trustee Sharel Warrington brought the motion forward and won support from her peers after much discussion over the timing of the session, estimated to take between one and two days.

"In order to learn, change and grow, a board performance review will identify what we are doing well, celebrate and build on our strengths and provide the information needed for improvement," wrote Warrington in her rationale.

Warrington said it's high time the review happens and despite a heavy schedule, it's too important not to make time for the conversations.

"It demonstrates we are accountable to the public," she said, adding it sets a positive example and provides an opportunity to discuss difficult operational and governance issues.

"This is a wonderful great idea but I'm just wondering if we're taking on too much here and maybe we need to leave some time," cautioned board chair Tony Cable.

"I'm more interested in getting this done as opposed to the date," said Warrington later in the discussion.

"The longer you put off something like this, the least likely it will happen."

Like most trustees, vice chair Tim Bennett praised Warrington on the initiative.

"I can support the recommendation as long as it's done at no financial cost to the district," he said.

Meanwhile Trish Bella argued it wouldn't be wise to focus on a cheap solution and disregard the quality of the facilitator.

"I want the best person to sit down and work with us," she said.

The board heard the B.C. School Trustees Association offers the service at no cost, so either option is available.

"(BCSTA) has facilitated a number of board performance reviews," Warrington said.

"They have been successful."

The board already has more than 30 meetings scheduled before the end of June and are expecting more commitments with graduation and other events.

"I know it's going to be busy but I really feel it's extremely important," said Brenda Hooker.

"For the benefit of the district and our students but also because it's a requirement of the Auditor General."