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Qualicum school district can't keep strike savings

Also, secretary-treasurer Erica Bailey submits resignation

School District 69 Superintendent Rollie Koop said the provincial government's instruction Friday that districts return any money saved during the teachers' strike is not a surprise.

He said the local districts were allowed to keep 20 per cent of any savings in May and June, but it was understood that the money saved in September would go towards covering the $40 a day promised to parents of students under age 13.

"We feel some expenses we incurred relate to the strike, it would be nice to have some recognition of that," he said, but they will figure out what it did cost and review their budget.

• Secretary Treasurer Erica Bailey is leaving School District 69.

Bailey became secretary treasurer and chief operating officer in July 2012 and will leave effective December 31, 2014 "to follow her husband to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where he has taken employment," according to a news release.

"While this is challenging news for the district, trustees and senior staff support Mrs. Bailey in her decision..." it continues. "Mrs. Bailey has provided sound advice to the Board of Education on all matters and has ensured that adequate resources have been available to ensure top quality programming for students in the District."

"It is a very difficult decision to leave the district and the Parksville-Qualicum area," she said. "There are some really exciting developments happening here under the leadership of Rollie and the board. And this is a beautiful place to live. But for family reasons, I needed to make this decision."