Getting answers from a taxpayer-funded entity shouldn’t be like pulling teeth from a crocodile.
Unfortunately, that’s been the case with the Pembina Hills school division in respect to the firing of former Supt. Egbert Stang back on Dec. 4, as well as the “conclusion” of former Supt. Richard Harvey in late October 2010.
The division recently revealed that Stang was fired “without cause” and received a hefty severance payment to the tune of $119,250. They also shared that Harvey received no severance payment — 13 months after we first asked about it.
Information surrounding the circumstances of each case was not offered up willingly and has come to light only after the Westlock News put in a request for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
We’ve said it before, but it needs to be repeated — Pembina Hills is funded by taxpayers and should be accountable to taxpayers.
In a recent media release from the division, it stated that no further discussion on these issues would be entertained.
Pembina Hills has now cut its lines of communication on a topic that affects every single taxpayer within its boundaries. By releasing fragments of information and refusing to answer any resulting questions, the division disregards the importance of its seemingly curious decisions.
Stang was employed with Pembina Hills for roughly 13 months after stepping in to replace Harvey on Nov. 1, 2010.
It seems odd that the top bureaucrat, who claims to have received a successful evaluation only months prior to his dismissal, would be let go.
And we’ll probably never know if the firing was warranted because the division refuses to talk.
Firing Stang “without cause” and giving no further justification despite repeated opportunities reflects poorly on the division, which should have learned its lesson after Harvey’s employment was “concluded.”
By giving the public very little information about the circumstances that led to the firing, it just leaves more questions.
Instead of refusing to answer taxpayers’ questions, Pembina Hills should consider accountability and transparency to the people who are footing the bill.
