Yukon MLAs demand response to Pelly Crossing school issues

Opposition MLAs are calling on Yukon Education Minister Scott Kent to issue a statement about the school in Pelly Crossing.

The principal at the Eliza Van Bibber School was removed from the community last month. School council members say Keith Clarkes removal follows unsubstantiated allegations against him.

People in Pelly Crossing have criticized the education department for removing Keith Clarke without consultation or explanation.

They want answers, and so do NDP MLA Jim Tredger and Liberal Sandy Silver, both former teachers.

Tredger was principal at the Eliza Van Bibber School for eight years. He said the department must respond in public.

"It just cries out for some leadership, it cries out for somebody to work with the people of Pelly Crossing to restore confidence in the system," said Tredger.

Klondike MLA Sandy Silver said the regional superintendents are out of touch with the communities. He said the government has thumbed its nose at the people of Pelly Crossing and Clarke.

"This is a huge wound, and it's a huge wound to the community itself, and also to the affected families and to the principal," said Silver.

Silver said students, not politics, should be the top priority for the education minister.