Thursday, December 13, 2012
Minister: New Germany Residents Should Take Time To Heal
The province's education minister says New Germany residents should take time to heal after a stressful few days. The community endured an emotional roller-coaster this week after learning a controversial teacher was close to returning to the classroom. The local school board voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept a settlement with Peter Speight that includes he resign and surrender his teaching license. Ramona Jennex says people can take comfort he'll never teach in this province.
Under the arrangement, Speight will receive compensation over and above the $150,000 he's owed in back pay. Jennex would not reveal the financial details of the settlement, but confirmed the school board will not be adversely affected.
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New Germany Residents React To Teacher Settlement
A small group of residents from New Germany erupted in jubilation after the South Shore Regional School Board came to a settlement with a former teacher. The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept a settlement with Peter Speight that includes he resign immediately and surrender his teaching license. Parent Myra Jodrey has a son in grade six at New Germany Elementary and was overwhelmed with the outcome.
President of New Germany Elementary's Home and School Association, Jennifer Hayward, says the decision will come as a relief to the community.
Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says they have to protect the best interests of students and the community.
She says the financial terms of the settlement are confidential but confirmed Speight will be paid on top of the $150,000 already owed in back pay. The agreement was announced after the school board moved in-camera for nearly an hour to consult with their lawyer. In the video below, school board members unanimously vote in favour of a settlement and lawyer John MacPherson also talks about the issue of confidentiality in dealing with the matter.
President of New Germany Elementary's Home and School Association, Jennifer Hayward, says the decision will come as a relief to the community.
Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says they have to protect the best interests of students and the community.
She says the financial terms of the settlement are confidential but confirmed Speight will be paid on top of the $150,000 already owed in back pay. The agreement was announced after the school board moved in-camera for nearly an hour to consult with their lawyer. In the video below, school board members unanimously vote in favour of a settlement and lawyer John MacPherson also talks about the issue of confidentiality in dealing with the matter.