Chilliwack trustee bloc proposes local ombudsperson to resolve disputes, hear complaints

CHILLIWACK – A bloc of trustees running for the Chilliwack Board of Education in the fall election has proposed the formation of a local ombudsperson to assist parents with methodically resolving complaints or disputes they may have.

At the first of six weekly policy announcements earlier today in Chilliwack, Trustees for Change candidate Barbara Bednarski released a policy proposal that features an ombudsperson who could address concerns that some parents feel intimidated to express their ideas in public meetings, for fear of retribution or ridicule.

“Parents and students are often worried that if they express concerns or have impolitic questions about what is happening in their schools, it is they, not their concern, that will be labeled the problem,” said Bednarski, a retired teacher. “And the hard-working teachers and educational assistants worry that if a policy or practice is making their job dangerous or flat-out impossible, they cannot trust either their administrator or their union not to choose their ideologically-driven narrative over ensuring safe and supportive working conditions.”

Bednarski said the Trustees for Change platform calls for the establishment of a school ombudsperson’s office to receive, address and resolve the following: