Author of the article:
Dave Baxter Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published Jun 11, 2024 • Last updated 1day ago • 4 minute read
![Parent demands Mountain View School Division board be disbanded (1) Parent demands Mountain View School Division board be disbanded (1)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/winnipegsun/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/stephen-jaddock.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=RBN7kop5qo7Z1wKNK7WcYA)
The Mountain View School Division (MVSD) is keeping tight-lipped about why their superintendent was suddenly axed and three board members walked off the job all in the same week, and the board didn’t broach the topic at its Tuesday board meeting.
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter for your beat on the city, The Exit Row for all your Jets news and On the Rocks for curling.
- Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one account.
- Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter for your beat on the city, The Exit Row for all your Jets news and On the Rocks for curling.
- Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one account.
- Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Sign In or Create an Account
or
View more offers
Article content
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Parent demands Mountain View School Division board be disbanded Back to video
The Dauphin-based MVSD held its first board of trustees meeting since announcing on June 3 that Stephen Jaddock had been removed from his role as superintendent, and then announcing one day later that “long-time” trustees Leifa Misko, Floyd Martens, and Scott McCallum had all tendered their resignations from the board effective immediately.
On Tuesday several parents attended the MVSD board meeting, but as none were signed up as delegates none were able to speak or ask questions about the current situation, and board chair Gabe Mercier started the meeting with a stern warning that he would kick out anyone that caused any interruptions.
“As this is a regular board meeting if you don’t follow expectations you will be asked to leave, so listen respectfully without interruption, that means no laughing, no clapping, no talking or any forms of interruptions,” Mercier said.
The Winnipeg Sun's Daily Headline News
Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Advertisem*nt 3
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
But Mercier’s warning did not keep one parent quiet, as at one point during the meeting, Jarri Thompson, who said she is a parent of MVSD students, stood up and addressed the board, despite not being signed up as a delegate.
Thompson said she is requesting the board be dissolved, and questioned if the current board could keep doing their jobs properly because of what she said were “internal biases.”
“As a parent in this division I am definitely going to have my say, I am deeply concerned by the actions of the board and your conduct, you have consistently violated Mountain View School Division board policies,” Thompson said. “Whether you like it or not, topic such as truth and reconciliation and 2SLGBTQ+ are protected by federal and provincial legislations.
Advertisem*nt 4
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“The misinformation and the chaos you have attempted to sew in your community is unacceptable and undermines principles of inclusivity, respect and understanding. Given the gravity of these transgressions, I firmly believe there is an urgent need for the dissolution of this board.
“So I invite the community to stand with me as we strive to create positive change and ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and valued in their schools.”
Mercier allowed Thompson to speak Tuesday, but asked that if she would like to speak again at a future meeting that she sign up a delegate, and no board members offered any response after Thompson finished speaking.
MVSD had already been at the centre of controversy before Jaddock’s dismissal, as in late April, Paul Coffey, one of the trustees who voted to oust Jaddock, made a presentation to the board that many have called racist, as he made claims in his presentation that residential schools were “good,” and defended the use of the word “Indian” when referring to Indigenous people, and used the term multiple times while speaking.
Advertisem*nt 5
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
That presentation led to Education Minister Nello Altomare announcing in April he would conduct a provincial governance review regarding MVSD. A provincial spokesperson confirmed Altomare met with MVSD trustees on Tuesday morning, and said the review is ongoing.
There are also unconfirmed accusations being levelled by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) that Jaddock was removed in part due to him allowing a Pride Parade that was held in Dauphin earlier this month to begin on the grounds of a MVSD school.
“The MMF’s Northwest Region sponsored the second annual successful Pride Parade in Dauphin on Saturday. Unfortunately, the event was overshadowed by the MVSD superintendent’s abrupt dismissal the night before,” MMF said in a media release on June 4.
Advertisem*nt 6
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“Northwest Regional leadership and Citizens were deeply concerned by reports within the community that the superintendent’s dismissal was at least partly in reaction to the Pride parade beginning on school grounds.”
MMF said they are also concerned about the “ongoing dysfunction” at the division and about “recent demonstrations of intolerance and racism, and how these affect our children, youth and families.”
The Winnipeg Sun reached out to MVSD officials for more information on the reasons Jadddock was let go, but in an email division vice-chair Jason Gryba would only say, “the recent decision by the Board to terminate the Superintendent’s position was made with the motion ‘termination without cause.’ This decision was the result of in-camera discussions which are confidential and focused on sensitive employee matters.
“To respect the privacy and dignity of our former Superintendent and to maintain the integrity of our governance processes, we cannot provide more details beyond the stated reason.
“This clarity should be seen as a commitment to confidentiality, rather than a source of confusion.”
— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Article content
Winnipeg Sun is part of the Local Journalism Initiative and reporters are funded by the Government of Canada to produce civic journalism for underserved communities. Learn more about the initiative
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Create an AccountSign in
Join the Conversation
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Trending
- Jets' Scott Arniel finds right mix of success, experience and enthusiasm with assistant hires
- Sea Bears dump MVP Allen, citing arguments, selfish play
- City's Chief Administrative Officer resigns
- EYE ON CRIME: Crime Stoppers asks for public's help to find suspected shoplifter
- Blue Bombers wounded and winless, but not worried
Read Next
This Week in Flyers