Probe Into The Conduct of a School Board Trustee Continues

Monday, 30 September 2019 07:40

A breach of the code of conduct from one of the Thames Valley District School Board's Trustees has prompted an Inquiry Committee to look into the complaint.

WOODSTOCK - An Inquiry Committee is examining a complaint involving one of the Thames Valley School Board's Trustees.

According to a release issued last month by Huron Park Secondary School, the complaint is involving Trustee Jake Skinner who breached the Code of Conduct that is established for Trustees under the Thames Valley District School Board by-laws.

According to the by-laws, a committee must be formed to look further into the complaint, which was filed on June 11th, and it consists of Chair Arlene Morell, Trustee Bill McKinnon and Trustee Bruce Smith.

Chair Morell says she is hopeful the Inquiry Committee finishes the work as soon as possible.

"I sincerely appreciate the understanding of parents, guardians, staff and others as we follow this formal process designed to protect the integrity of the Board and the community’s confidence in public education. We need to fully examine this complaint, make a determination and move forward. It is our duty as Trustees to focus on the important business of public education and providing students with the best possible learning opportunities."

The committee's first task is to gather written statements and documents from Trustees who filed the complaint. Witnesses can also present any information if they wish.

The by-laws require the committee to perform its investigation in a confidential and private manner, preventing trustees from commenting on the matter publicly, nor can the board release any documents.

When the Committee collects the information and shares it with Trustee Skinner, he will have up to 30 days to give a response. Once they have considered all of the evidence, the Committee will submit a confidential report to the Board, determining whether a breach of conduct has occurred and recommend any sanctions.