Credit where credit due on saving KISSM from cancellation

FRIDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — Sometimes, in the midst of intransigence, their arrives a moment of common sense that provides hope.

Such a thing happened Thursday. The Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music was on the verge of being cancelled for the first time in 36 years because it couldn’t get an answer to a simple question — would teachers picket the camp during its three weeks of activity, or would it not?

It came to a head just as the BCTF was declaring its determination to continue picketing through the summer if a contract deal wasn’t reached with the B.C. Public School Employers Association by the end of the school year, which is today (Friday).

That means School District 73 summer school programs will be affected because schools will be picketed, unless the Labour Relations Board rules they are an essential service. Did that include KISSM, which is not a school district program but does use schools?

The school board didn’t know and neither did administration. Nor, for that matter, did the Kamloops-Thompson Teachers Association, which promised a decision at an executive meeting Wednesday.

Thursday morning there was still no decision. KISSM was feeling desperate. Enter Jason Karpuk, president of the KTTA. Could he do something?

KISSM gives Karpuk full credit for stepping up on behalf of KISSM and making sure the schools at which the summer music program will be held aren’t going to be blocked by picket lines. KISSM lives, much to the relief of many.

Not only is it good public relations for the embattled teachers’ union, but it’s good for the community. Good going.