The Clearview School Division had budget deliberations on its plate this month, but last week’s meeting got livelier when AEDs were discussed.
The question was whether to place Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the schools in the district. The proposed move would cost an estimated $5,000. John Schofer, a new trustee, was immediately against the AED idea.
“We provide education for students so they don’t have heart problems as adults,” he said.
Yvette Cassidy made a motion for AEDs to go to Coronation School and Gus Wetter School, but the motion wasn’t passed.
Schofer and Cassidy argued their sides.
“There are some things we just can’t do,” Schofer said.
“Five thousand dollars is nothing when it comes to a child’s life,” Cassidy argued.
No conclusion was reached, and a motion was made and carried to postpone discussion to this Thursday’s meeting.
The trustees also discussed whether or not to organize a board retreat.
Chairman Ken Checkel said a retreat would allow the board to “look in our hearts and heads and say, ‘Are we going in the right direction?’ ”
He recommended organizing a retreat for January. Vice-chairman Dave Goodwin supported the idea wholeheartedly.
“I’m definitely in favour of this retreat, working one on one and not having to worry about motions,” he said.
Cheri Neitz opposed the term “retreat,” because the trustees would be working, and Cassidy opposed the retreat because the board already has planning meetings.
No decision was reached at the meeting.