The school board introduced a new whistle-blowing policy last night so that employees may relay information about wrong-doing without fear of reprisal.
Board staff drafted the policy on the advice of an auditor after the 2005 resignation of Carl Reid, a former principal of Gaetz Brook Junior High who’s accused of stealing $11,332.96 from the school.
A board of inquiry later found his wife, former board member Bernadette Reid, gave him a 19.76 per cent discount on products she was selling to keep the total sales off the radar of the board’s purchasing policy.
Halifax regional school board spokesman Doug Hadley said the board adjusts and introduces policies based on what it’s learned in the past.
“There were a couple of incidents a few years ago — one involving a board member and another involving a school administrator at the time,” Hadley said.
“Board members themselves had also felt there was a need to bring something forward so putting those two together, it was just timely to come forward to protect the board and the employees.”
Carl Reid’s last court appearance was May 14, where he pled guilty.
