To the Editor:
I’d like to thank the Weyburn Review for its editorial, “Taxpayers only seek justice”, which was featured in the March 21 edition. It was a thorough review of the issues surrounding an incident, which has led to considerable public discussion and concern.
However, there is one small matter I feel the need to address. Near the end of the editorial, some readers may have been left with the impression the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation does not provide professional support to principals and vice-principals. The editorial read:
“For teachers, their union, the Sask. Teachers Federation, will provide support and assistance, but not for administrators, so this administrator was basically thrown under the proverbial bus for one incident.”
I don’t expect members of the general public to fully understand the intricacies of operating a professional association representing 13,500 members across the province. However, I do feel compelled to clarify this issue.
In our province, principals and vice-principals have always been members of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. The Federation takes seriously its obligation to represent and assist these members as they set about fulfilling their unique and important role in public education. We certainly did this for Mr. Oberg.
With respect to the specific matter at hand, there is no statutory appeal process for principals who face demotion. This leaves school administrators in Saskatchewan extremely vulnerable. Despite our concern, the provincial government appears unwilling to repair this shortcoming in the legislation.
Given this unfortunate series of events, we will continue to advocate for changes to the legislation in support of principals and vice-principals across the province.
Ian Hanna
Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation
