CHILLIWACK TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2020

Chilliwack teachers pass motion of non-confidence in Board of Education

At a Special General meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020 the membership of the Chilliwack Teachers’ Association (CTA)
passed a motion of non-confidence in the Chilliwack Board of Education.

CTA President Ed Klettke said the motion of non-confidence was based on the actions of the Board in regards to rejecting
an arbitration decision on the 2020-2021 school calendar as well as the apparent inability of Board members to work
together for the good of Chilliwack students.

“On two separate occasions, the Chilliwack Board of Education voted to reject a binding arbitrator’s decision about the
school calendar,” said Klettke. “It’s a bizarre move with no legal basis and may actually contravene BC’s Labour Code. On
this issue, a voting majority of the Board has chosen to ignore a binding decision. The result of this could become an
expensive and frivolous legal battle.”

Klettke explained that this arbitration decision originated from a grievance settlement between the Chilliwack School
District and the CTA in March 2019 that created a process for discussions around the school calendar. The CTA, School
District 33, BC Public School Employers’ Association, and BCTF agreed that an arbitrator would render a final decision
should the parties be unable to come to an agreement. This process was undertaken in February 2020 and the arbitrator
made a binding decision that included a two-week spring break.

At its April 28, 2020 meeting, the Chilliwack School Board voted a second time to reject the arbitrator’s binding decision
even after they were informed that the window of opportunity for an appeal had passed and that the District would likely
have to cover any further legal costs. This decision appeared to be based on a lack of understanding of the process of
negotiating the calendar and of the legal ramifications of their decision.

“It’s possible that by voting against the arbitrator’s decision, the Board has contravened the Labour Code,” said Klettke. “In
other words, we believe they are ignoring the law. As elected officials, the Board has a job to do and their willingness to
ignore an arbitrator’s decision brings into question their ability to properly do their job.”

Klettke explained that teachers are also concerned by controversial comments made by three trustees during discussions on
the naming of two new Chilliwack schools.

“Lively debate is one thing, but making ignorant and offensive statements as an elected official is very inappropriate,” said
Klettke. “During discussions around the naming of two new schools, members of the board made statements that were
hurtful to teachers, parents, and students within the community. These statements went against all of the work our
Chilliwack education community is trying to do to honour and act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to
Action.”

Klettke explained that not all members of the Board supported the offensive comments, and the Board made the correct
decision in approving the names of the two new schools, but there was considerable arguing and antagonism between Board
members.

“This dysfunction has been evident at many Board meetings over the past two years and gives the impression that the
Chilliwack Board of Education is unable to work together as a cohesive unit for the good of the Chilliwack School
District.”

“The Chilliwack Teachers’ Association recognizes that this is an unusual time for all communities amid COVID-19 and
we want to focus on the health and safety of our school community, the provision of services to children of essential support
workers, additional support for vulnerable families and students and the continuity of learning for all Chilliwack students.
These priorities are hindered by a Board that appears to be continually sidetracked by other issues that damage relationships
with teachers, students and parents. The CTA no longer has confidence that ’partners in learning’ applies in this district at
this time.”

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