Parents continue to dispute that a process for a school name change was followed.
Representatives from the Friends of JMA Armstrong/Salisbury Middle School Committee spoke to the Anglophone East District Education Council last night.
Spokesperson Veronica Keenan says there are negative connotations connected with a decision to change the name, “The removal of Mr. Armstrong’s name from the schools seems to imply that he has done something unscrupulous. Despite the lack of intent of acting disrespectfully toward Mr. Armstrong the removal of his name is most certainly viewed in our community as being disrespectful.”
The term disrespectful was repeatedly used in the comments section of a petition signed by over 2000 citizens.
“When the name change came to light and the community responded with such passion about the proposed removal of his name, many people were told several times that it was discussed publicly at the PSSC meeting and the minutes were online for everyone to see. At the time of preparing this presentation, there are still no minutes for 2021 posted despite several formal requests were made that they be made available,” Keenan says.
Keenan added the decision was not done publicly, “That was not entirely true. The meeting minutes from 2019/2020 have only been posted online this past February of 2022. That is nearly three years late.”
A new name, Salisbury Regional School was chosen last spring, but the process began in February of 2019.
“Policy 409 section 6.43 clearly identifies the process for naming and renaming of our public schools. We feel that the policy was not properly followed despite being told numerous times it was followed.”
She adds, “We have found no evidence of public engagement whatsoever.”
She would like to see a request to the Education Minister that the name change be rescinded.
DEC Chair Harry Doyle says a vote will be held by members.
