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by Patti Bacchus on February 11th, 2021 at 1:59 PM 1 of 4 2 of 4
One of the highlights of my years as a school trustee was updating the Vancouver School Board’s (VSB) Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy in order to provide better and clearer protections and supports for trans students and employees.
That 2014 decision paved the way for stronger SOGI policies across all B.C. school districts and sent a powerful message that Vancouver public schools are welcoming, safe, and supportive places for
all students, families, and employees.
We made the changes in response to advice from the now-defunct VSB Pride Advisory Committee (the government-appointed trustee, who replaced the board I was on in 2016, disbanded the committee). Committee members had told us schools’ support and protections for trans students were inconsistent and that board policy and regulations needed to be specific, clear, and supported.
Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb steps down
School board, Webb agree to his immediate retirement Thursday night
Published: February 11, 2021, 9:05pm
Share: Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb in 2017 (The Columbian files)
Steve Webb stepped down as superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools late Thursday after school board members approved an agreement that he begin his planned retirement from Vancouver Public Schools immediately.
The agreement, crafted by attorneys representing the board and Webb, came after an executive session lasting more than two hours Thursday. When the board reconvened, the vote was unanimous.
After executive session but before the vote, board President Kyle Sproul said the board engaged in negotiations earlier this week with Webb based on a mutual desire to move up his retirement date. His superintendent contract was set to expire June 30.
Vancouver parents with health concerns say end of Option 4 remote learning presents callous choice
A group of families at higher risk of COVID-19 complications want the Vancouver School Board to extend Option 4: a learning option they said keeps them safe from the risks of COVID in the classroom and preserves their kids place in the schools and programs they know.
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Option 4, set to end March 1, lets kids learn online but holds their place in pre-pandemic schools or programs
Posted: Feb 09, 2021 7:00 AM PT | Last Updated: February 9
Left to right, Kyenta Martins with her husband Claude Martins and daughter Cate Martins and Zoe Martins. Cate and Zoe are in Grade 6 and Grade 4, respectively, at Tyee Elementary School in Vancouver. Due to concerns about Kyenta s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the children have been in the VSB s Option 4.(Liam Britten/CBC)