Names are already beginning to surface for the position of chair of the Vancouver School Board (VSB) less than a week after voters elected a new slate of trustees.
The VSB’s newly-elected three-member Green Party caucus has already put forward one name: re-elected Green trustee Janet Fraser.
Fraser said she’ll accept the job if the board votes her into it.
“I try to bring a very calm rational voice to the board and I think I have tried to work collaboratively and with respect,” she said.
WATCH: Vancouver School Board dismissed by B.C. education minister
“Everyone wants to work well together and to build good relationships, I think, with all the trustees, with a positive environment. I think it will be a good environment.”
But Non-Partisan Association (NPA) trustee Fraser Ballantyne, who worked with Fraser in the the board’s last incarnation, said he won’t back her following the turmoil and allegations of bullying and harassment that defined the previous board.
Get daily National news
WATCH: Report says Vancouver School Board was “toxic” workplace
Ballantyne did, however, say he would consider throwing support behind Fraser’s Green colleagues Estrellita Gonzalez and Judy Zaichowsky if they were to put their names forward.
“I think we need to put the best person forward with no history. She should rethink or consider nominating Estrellita or Judith,” Ballantyne said.
Ballantyne said he will nominate Lisa Dominato, his fellow NPA trustee, who says she is open to the nomination.
Vision Vancouver trustees haven’t decided whether they will nominate someone for the position.
The board will vote to elect a new chair on Oct. 30.
Comments