While there is a newly elected provincial union executive, Nanaimo school district teachers’ union leadership says it will be business as usual.
The B.C. Teachers’ Federation announced Monday that Glen Hansman, current first vice-president, was acclaimed as president. Teri Mooring, second vice-president, will be elevated to first vice-president and Clint Johnson, a Chilliwack teacher, was named to take over Mooring’s former post.
Jim Iker, current president, will stay on until June 30, when Hansman, Mooring and Johnson will assume their new positions. Mike Ball, president of the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association union local, has worked with all three and has faith in their leadership abilities.
“I don't see anything changing over the next year,” said Ball. “Glenn's been the first vice-president for three years and second vice-president before that for three years, so it's pretty much carry on with the same course.”
Ball said the new executive will have to deal with many of the same issues as the last, with lack of provincial funding and Foundation Skills Assessment testing and provision of results to the Fraser Institute among them.
Hansman, Mooring and Johnson will also have to deal with an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in regards to a dispute with the province over class size and composition, said Ball.
Leading up to next year’s B.C. election, Hansman said the union will be active.
“We’ve passed at our annual general meeting a commitment to participate actively in the provincial election and of course, education funding and addressing child poverty will be two main topics that we’ll absolutely be pushing,” said Hansma.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com