Letters
DEAR EDITOR: QCGN : Too big for its britches ?
Regarding article: The Cote Family Reunion published in the Record Tuesday, July 11
Recording the Cote Family History was a pleasure for me.
It was such a joy to record it as my memories and hopefully most of the family could see a bit of themselves too.
Most of all I would like to thank our wonderful sister and her husband, Yves and Suzanne Lussier for hosting this unforgettable Reunion.
It was so well organized from the camping to the food, which was excellent, to the games for the kids and adults alike.
I am sure I speak for the whole family when I say "Well Done" We made memories that will last a lifetime.
Susie you made a dream come true and got us all together. Thanks from the heart to you and to everyone who put heart and soul into making this reunion one that will remain a great memory.
ANGELINE COTE COOTE STITTSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
School Boards Association (QESBA). The QCGN and QESBA have fought vigorously against the government and its school board reform plans.
That said, on the last day of the annual Canadian School Boards Association congresses, the presidents of the provincial associations present a report on the education scene of their respective provinces.
Recall last year, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the QESBA took pride in the fact it succeeded in convincing the government to scrap draft school board reform Bill 86, but still complained about its replacement draft Bill 105.
This year, July 8, QESBA President Jennifer Maccarone presented her report at the congress held at a resort in Whistler, B.C.
With the passing of Bill 105, concern was expressed, that via Resource Allocation Committees, school principals would be providing recommendations regarding funding to school board councils. Makes sense, after all, who knows better the needs of a school than the principal?
Moreover, more funding of budgets would be decentralized "bypassing school boards' head offices and going directly to schools." This is good as it gives Governing Boards, comprised of parents, teachers and support personnel, more decision-making power.
Worry was also expressed that now the minister of education has ultimate control over our English school boards. Nothing wrong with that. Besides, there were no English school boards before 1998.
In April 2014, the Liberal government, led by Philippe Couillard was voted in by 1.7 million voters with a mandate of school board reform.
In contrast, later that year, about 84 per cent of English voters couldn't be bothered to cast a ballot in the November school board elections. About 49 per cent of the seats were acclaimed.
We must allow Education Minister Sébastien Proulx to continue shrinking school board influence, to allocate more funding to schools, and make those closest to the student the centre of the public education network.
Meanwhile QCGN: Butt out
CHRIS EUSTACE MONTREAL, PQ