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Teacher banned from Parksville Qualicum Beach schools

School district officials say they are duty-bound to handle the situation confidentially

A local teacher has been fired and is not allowed on school property, a source from the local school district has confirmed.

The source, who requested anonymity, told The NEWS District 69 administrators explained to staff last week that the teacher has been fired. Administrators further instructed staff not to engage with the teacher if he/she comes on school grounds, but to report it to administration, according to the source.

The Mount Arrowsmith Teachers Association (MATA) then countered that the district doesn't have a right to do that and a grievance is being filed, according to the source.

Acting superintendent Rollie Koop and board chair Lynette Kershaw called The NEWS on Friday to confirm they are dealing with a personnel matter but are duty bound to handle it confidentially.

That call came after The NEWS left messages for the district representatives, following calls and e-mails from the public to The NEWS expressing concern about the situation.

"What we are dealing with is a personnel matter and because it is a personnel matter regarding the employer employee relationship that's not something we can comment on," said Koop. "We wanted to call you together so you know we are communicating and working together."

Oceanside RCMP sent a statement that they do not typically confirm or deny investigations taking place unless there is a public-safety concern. If charges are approved by the Crown, the matter will become public at that point, said police.

Calls to MATA president Deb Morran for comment were not returned by deadline.