The B.C. government has appointed a public administrator for the British Columbia Public School Employers Association (BCPSEA) and terminated the legal role of the BCPSEA board of directors.
The government made the announcement July 31, saying it is a temporary measure intended to secure a long-term deal with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF).
Michael Marchbank, CEO of the Health Employers’ Association of British Columbia, has been slated to take over all responsibilities of the BCPSEA board.
In an open letter to board chairs, superintendents and secretary-treasurers, Minister of Education Peter Fassbender said the role of the board going forward has yet to be defined.
“While the appointment of the public administrator ceases their statutory and legal obligations, I fully recognize and value the experience and expertise of the school trustees who served on the BCPSEA board of directors,” Fassbender said in the letter.
“Consequently, I have invited the trustee board members to remain in an advisory capacity to government and the BCSTA [British Columbia School Trustees Association] in the interim period while we redefine the important role for BCPSEA for the future.”
The ministry said it is the government’s intention to introduce legislation amendments in the next legislative session.
