Sudbury family calls on education minister to lift ban in time for dance recital

Anita Gibson, who is mired in a long-running feud with Director of Education Norm Blaseg and the Rainbow District School Board, is calling on the Minister of Education to assist in her newest battle.

Because of a no trespass order against Anita Gibson and her husband Dylan, the family won't be able to attend a dance recital at Sudbury Secondary School with their 1st-grade daughter.

The Gibsons have been banned from entering the board office or any high schools in the board system since 2012.

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In a written letter to the Minister, Gibson said she is "seeking immediate relief from restrictions imposed on me by the director of education at the RDSB and that [he] be subject to an independent investigation...."

The ban is a result of an alleged conflict after a board meeting between the Gibsonsand Tyler Campbell, a former trustee.

Campbell later resigned as trustee amid allegations of conflict of interest in a decision to build a soccer bubble at Lasalle Secondary School.

• Sudbury school trustee steps down in wake of conflict of interest accusations

Gibson hopes that Education Minister Mitzie Hunter looks into the situation.

"I've seen recent actions from her that show she's willing to step in and maybe have a look," Gibson said. "In the past I've been told boards are their separate entities and there's not really much anyone can do."

"So I'm hopeful now that maybe someone can take a look at the issue at the very least."

Recently, Hunter ordered an urgent review of a school board in southern Ontario after controversy over allegations of racism.

• Education minister orders 'urgent review' of York Region District School Board

A Ministry spokesperson said they couldn't comment on the situation, but confirmed they have received Gibson's letter, and the matter is under review.