NORTH BAY — A woman who describes herself as "a concerned parent" has been fired from her job as a lunchtime supervisor with the Near North District School Board.
Karen Matthews is a member of the group Ready or Not, which is keeping a watchful eye on the Board and its actions over the consolidation of high schools in North Bay.
She's been a vocal critic in the past, and last week was barred from making a presentation at a board meeting dealing with the Widdifield closure decision.
A flurry of emails with Communication Officer Mairghread Knought stated that as a Board employee, it was against the bylaws to allow her to speak, even though she had often done so in the past.
See: School activist faces roadblock in making a presentation to Board trustees
Today she drove to Vincent Massey school as usual to fulfill her lunchtime obligations. She also has an 11-year-old son attending the school.
"My principal met me at the door and said I would be receiving a letter today and I couldn't do my job today. I'd been let go," she told BayToday.
Matthews says the principal was very apologetic.
"I have a wonderful relationship with all the staff at the school, I'm the chair of Parent Council. I do it because I love the kids and I do a good job at what I do. I did it for years at Trussler and it's my fourth year doing it at this school. There's never been an issue with my employment, so it's a direct result of the board meeting last week.
"This has occurred because (board chair) Jay Aspin attempted to bully me into complacency and not do my presentation last week and he's got a little grudge against me for not supporting him during his campaign. He thinks I needed to look silly last week and he's taken my job from me."
Aspin denies the accusation saying he was advised of the firing, but did not initiate it. Instead, it was the Director of Education, Geof Botting who made the decision.
"The incident you related to me is strictly an administrative matter handled by our Director of Education," he said. Aspin deferred comment to Botting.
Meanwhile, Matthews says the bylaw the Board is using to prevent her speaking doesn't apply.
"There is no reason I couldn't present."
She's also adamant about how the firing should be resolved.
"I should have my job back. I'm there for the kids and that's the reason I've done it for 10 years and that's the reason I'd still like to do it. The job I do as a lunch supervisor has nothing to do with my individual concern as a parent or a citizen."
Her job is only 90 minutes a day over lunch and pays $14 an hour. She says she will seek legal advice
"It's ridiculous. I'm kind of astounded but also not surprised based on past actions."
BayToday reached out to interim Director of Education Geof Botting for comment but received this reply instead from Communications Officer Mairghread Knought:
"I have discussed your request with our Director Education Geof Botting. Please note that we will not be providing a response as the Near North District School Board does not comment on personnel matters."
— BayToday.ca
