Former Surrey School District superintendent Mike McKay has been appointed as official trustee for School District 83 (North Okanagan – Shuswap), Minister of Education Mike Bernier announced today.

The dismissal of the board was recommended by special advisor Elizabeth Watson in her report released today. That report found the board is not functioning well, the situation would appear to be deteriorating rapidly, and the board had lost the confidence of the community. Watson had been appointed this past April at the request of the board to evaluate the North Okanagan – Shuswap board’s governance practices as well as their approach to financial matters and fiscal management.

"Dismissing a board is neither pleasant nor easy, but this unusual step is required at this time so the public can have faith in the administration of education in their community," said Bernier. “It’s also a step that ensures the school district in question fulfils its responsibilities to the community and to taxpayers.”

McKay will assume all the duties and responsibilities typically required of a board of education for one year, including the obligations to conduct public board meetings and community consultations. The appointment could be extended if required. The official trustee’s first priority is meeting with school district senior staff to plan next steps.

Widespread community concerns about the overall performance of the board were sparked by the board transferring more than $10 million in operating surplus funds to fund capital projects like a new district office while it reduced its operating budget.

The remaining recommendations in Watson’s report will be considered once McKay is on the job and able to determine the best ways for the district to move forward. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Mike McKay is widely regarded as one of the most respected and talented educational leaders in British Columbia.

The Special Advisor Report on School District 83 can be found at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/reports-and-publications

Quick Facts

• Mike McKay was formerly the superintendent in Surrey, a principal at Cowichan Secondary, and superintendent of the Saanich School District.
• In 2012, McKay was appointed official trustee of the Cowichan Valley School Board when the board was dismissed for failing to balance their budget.
• This is only the ninth time a board has been dismissed in B.C. since 1965, and the first time since 2012.