An independent review of Palliser School Division found the culture and climate at the Lethbridge school board “is not psychologically healthy for employees.” It went on to expose perceptions of micromanagement and ineffective complaint handling and investigations.
READ MORE: Palliser superintendent takes leave amid delayed review into ‘culture of fear’
The more than 200 -age report comes 11 months after former employee Michelle Gibb filed a civil lawsuit claiming chief superintendent Kevin Gietz created an oppressive atmosphere and engaged in unwanted physical touching.
For some, the report’s findings came as validation.
“It’s nice to see an independent review panel come back with the same recommendations and same findings that people have been claiming for the last few years,” Concerned Parents of Palliser Schools member Kelly McLeod said.
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The concerned parents’ group spearheaded an online petition demanding action when the allegations against Gietz came forward.
“(There are) great schools in the Palliser School Division, we just needed to make some changes to make it great from the top down,” group member Sherri Duda said.
Twenty-one recommendations have been made by the panel, including that Palliser School Division must create a plan to address the “culture of aggression and fear” that is being experienced by many.
The report also recommends:
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- The school board must take action to address the current lack of trust among board members between the board and senior administrators.
- The board should establish an ombudsperson for complaint handling. This person must have the authority to accept internal and external complaints, investigate and resolve when possible.
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“Our reaction as a board…we will look at the recommendations and the report in great detail, we will treat them in the way they were presented as an opportunity to get better, and to improve an already good system but to make it even better,” Palliser Regional School Division board chair Robert Straus said.
Gibb declined an interview with Global News, but her lawyer said they are still proceeding down the litigation path and are moving closer to a trial date. She is seeking over $110,000 for lost wages and benefits.
Straus says the board has put Gietz on unassigned duties.
The board will make the full report available to the public.
The report also acknowledged that while there were many negative findings, there are also strengths at Palliser School Division, including innovation, vision and creating a safe environment for students.
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