Letter: School Board can’t be trusted with Chippewa renaming issue

To the editor:

I was saddened, but not shocked, to see that public school board chair Lougheed's determination to change the name of Chippewa Secondary School is as strong as ever.

There are a small number of people who are determined to pursue their own political agenda despite overwhelming opposition from the public.

I am confident also that local First Nation leaders continue to support the name Chippewa.

The reality is that the final decision on the school name will be made by the nine elected trustees and not by the chair, or the upper board, or school administrations, or any advisory committee.

It is critical that those who want the name Chippewa to remain, contact the Near North District School Board and get the names of the trustees and their contact information, and express your views to the trustees in a strong but professional way.

I know that most trustees will support you.

Chippewa is a respected public secondary school and not the private preserve of a small number of people with very narrow political views.

Garth Goodhew

North Bay.

Editor's note: Mr. Goodhew is a former principal of Chippewa.

See related: Former Chippewa Principal: Don't change the name