The pinnacle of the union representing 1000’s of lecturers believes the embattled Thames Valley District College Board (TVDSB) is “moving in the right direction.”
“I think there’s hope”, stated Craig Smith, the president of the Thames Valley native of the Elementary Lecturers’ Federation of Ontario.
Smith stated that he’s inspired by the management of interim TVDSB director Invoice Tucker.
Tucker changed Mark Fisher, who went on a paid depart of absence final month following an outcry over a $38,000 three-day government retreat to Toronto.
A provincial audit into the funds of the board was introduced quickly after.
Smith agreed the invention was the breaking level for a lot of of his members.
Eighteen Senior executives from the Thames Valley District College Board spent two nights on the Toronto Marriott lodge for a retreat in August 2024. (Supply: Toronto Marriot Metropolis Centre)
“Is it symbolic of a step in the right direction? Absolutely. And if this is the path that we’re going down, then I think that is a good thing for the system and a good thing for the students in the system.”
Smith stated he respects the choice by senior workers who attended the journey to contribute to a fund out of their expense accounts. The transfer is aimed to recoup the $38,000 and redirect it right into a grade three learn-to-swim program.
“There was a $100,000 cut out of that budget. This restores $40,000 to that organization to do that important work”, Smith stated.
At TVDSB headquarters Tuesday, Tucker conceded that he accepted the funds in good religion.
Interim Director of the Thames Valley District College Board, Invoice Tucker, October 22, 2024 (Sean Irvine/ London)
“It’s a recognition that, you know, it [The Toronto retreat] wasn’t the best decision. And so how do we get that money into kids?”
Tucker stated the initiative is only one instance designed to revive public confidence.
“Repairing the reputational damage that we’ve experienced this time around the school board. The great thing is that wonderful things are still going on in the classes.”
Nevertheless, with the audit within the background and the potential of extra provincial involvement, Smith asserted that enhancements should come shortly.
Tucker conceded, “I think hope will only sustain us for a little bit,” as he appeared ahead to his plan for transparency and accountability.
“Folks is probably not pleased with what I talk, however it will be the reality.”
