Pembina Hills Public Schools Supt. Colleen Symyrozum-Watt, who’s been on paid leave since she was served notice of a personnel review Feb. 3, says she has retained legal counsel.
When asked March 26 if she had any further information about the matter that prompted the review by PHPS trustees, Symyrozum-Watt would only say that her lawyer had received some and she will co-operate fully with the investigation.
Symyrozum-Watt stressed, as she did in the Feb. 14 story in the Westlock News, that the review blind-sided her.
“I had no knowledge or forewarning of any personal, or personnel, or performance issues in my role,” she said.
She said she was very grateful for the ongoing support of her family, colleagues and community members, both in Pembina Hills and across the province.
“It’s been extraordinary and very strengthening, because … this has taken a toll on me,” Symyrozum-Watt said.
When asked if she would want to return to work as superintendent, Symyrozum-Watt indicated she has made no decisions.
“I need to make the right and best decisions together with my family. And I’ll do that once I understand and had time to fully assess everything,” she said.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done. I’ve worked hard serving with this region. But I won’t make any kind of decision quickly and without careful thought.”
An interview request to board chair Jennifer Tuininga to provide an update went unanswered.
On Feb. 1, Pembina Hills trustees held a special in-camera meeting at the offices of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA).
During the nine-hour meeting, trustees passed a motion to form an ad-hoc sub-committee consisting of trustees Annette Bokenfohr and Tuininga. The sub-committee was tasked with carrying out a review on Matter 2017-001, the nature of which remains unknown.
The ad-hoc sub-committee can issue a notice of suspension to Symyrozum-Watt, seek information and assistance from regional office administration and retain and instruct legal counsel and consultants as deemed appropriate. It also remains unknown if the committee has taken any of those actions.
The sub-committee was also authorized to file one of more complaints with any authority, including the Commissioner appointed under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (Whisteblower Protection) Act and the registrar under the School Act.
The ad-hoc sub-committee has reported back to the board, but those reports have all been conducted in-camera.
Tuininga previously stated that since this is a personnel matter, they are treating the review with the utmost caution.
While she is away, Symyrozum-Watt continues to collect a salary. According to Pembina Hills’ 2015-2016 audited financial statements Symyrozum-Watt was paid $206,988 that year and received $36,522 in benefits.
Notably, the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) issued a press release last week stating that Symyrozum-Watt continues to serve as one of its four Table Officers. She just completed her third year as a CASS Table Officer and served as president for the past year, having been elected at their AGM in March 2016.
Barry Litun, executive director of CASS, said Symyrozum-Watt’s term as president runs from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. When her term is up, she becomes past president.
Litun said the officers comprise their board of directors along with six zone directors.
“The purpose of the board of directors is to basically provide and set direction and policy for the organization and to be the liaisons between the members and Alberta Education and other education partners,” he said.
When asked if only superintendents can be a part of CASS, Litun said members are people in system leadership roles, such as deputy or associate superintendents. There are also affiliate members who are from Alberta Education and reps of international education groups.
“At this point, she is still officially a member of Pembina Hills, though she is not actively serving in the role of superintendent. If that was to change, it wouldn’t impact this year; it would be something we would have to look at for the future year.”
