Just over a month after it began, the review of a personnel matter concerning Pembina Hills Public Schools Supt. Colleen-Symyrozum-Watt has yet to be concluded.
An ad-hoc sub-committee consisting of board chair Jennifer Tuininga and trustee Annette Bokenfohr was formed following a special meeting of trustees and senior admin in Edmonton on Feb. 1.
The committee was tasked with carrying out a review relating to Matter 2017-001, the nature of which was not disclosed except that it related to the superintendent.
The committee was given the power to issue a notice of suspension, retain legal counsel and contact any authority deemed appropriate, seek out information from administration or board employees, and to report back to the school board on any actions taken.
According to minutes posted on the Pembina Hills website, the board held a special meeting on Feb. 28 at the Regional Services office in Barrhead.
During the meeting, the board moved in-camera to discuss personnel contract 2017-0228 and matter 2017-001 — no motions were made.
Tuininga said the committee is considering its review and was “reporting back to the board.” She did not elaborate further, while the meeting lasted just over an hour.
While the review is ongoing, Symyrozum-Watt is still being paid. Assistant Supt. of employee services and facilities and transportation David Garbutt is filling in.
Symyrozum-Watt took over as superintendent in 2012 following the departure of Egbert Stang, who was terminated without cause Dec. 5, 2011. The reasons for his termination have never been revealed.
Stang was himself a replacement for Richard Harvey, who left the division in 2010.
He later pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 in 2015, having claimed more than $29,000 in fraudulent expenses.
