MONTREAL – Some members of the Central Parents’ Committee are seeking a court injuction of an English Montreal School Board proposal which would double the number of parents on on the Central Parents’ Committee.
Andrew Ross, who is helping to lead the charge against the reconstructing, said the school board wants to undermine parent voices.
“Our injunction request seeks to restore the structure of the Central Parents’ Committee and it’s membership that parents voted in October 2015,” Ross said at a press conference.
But not all parents agree with Ross.
Parent commissioner Joanne Charron came to the press conference to let her point of view be known.
“They’re portraying us in a certain light in the media,” said Charron.
“We don’t have issues with our schools, we don’t have issues with our school boards, we do not have issues with council.”
Even before the news conference ended, it was clear the committee was divided.
Julian Hung, a parent committee member, tried to ask a question during the press conference but he was ignored.
“My second question was: isn’t true that you have off as regional committee west chairperson,” Hung told Global News.
“And that you have also been suspended of your duties as central parents committee vice-chair?”
Ross confirmed after the press conference that he was suspended.
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“I am the vice chair of the Central Parents’ Committee,” Ross said.
“I have been temporarily suspended from my duties as that pending an investigation, into what? I don’t know, the accusations have actually not been brought forth to me.”
Even if he is in under investigation, Ross still believes he’s a legitimate voice for parents.
“These people feel comfortable in having me act as their spokesperson,” said Ross.
“I am very happy that they have that confidence in me and until that changes, I am happy to speak on their behalf.”
The EMSB was not available for comment.
In a press release they say the school board has the right to restructure parent committees.
They also say parents requested a simplified system, and ultimately, the school board says democracy will improve.
“Parents voiced their concerns about the previous structure,” parent commissioner Jason Trudeau said in a press release.
“There will still be Regional Parents’ Committees. That does not change. And parents who sit on CPC do not lose their voice. But those who were excluded previously, are now fully part of the democratic process.”
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