The Southeast Cornerstone School Division have filed an appeal of the decision by the Court of Queen’s Bench which found in favour of former principal Wade Oberg.
As the former principal of the Weyburn Comprehensive School, he had been removed from his position by the Cornerstone board after an incident at a senior girls volleyball tournament in the fall of 2017.
Oberg won his lawsuit over the dismissal, with the decision by Justice M.R. McCreary stating that the demotion was both unfair and unreasonable, and that he was reinstated as principal of the Comp School by the court, bypassing the school division.
In a release from Cornerstone board chair Audrey Trombley on Monday, a notice of appeal was filed on May 1, 2020, with regard to the recent decision of the Court of Queen’s Bench in Oberg’s lawsuit.
“Oberg is a teacher with the division who was assigned duties as a principal. He engaged in conduct which the board believed warranted removing him from his role as principal. The board retained him as a teacher. The Queen’s Bench decision reinstated Mr. Oberg’s principal duties.
“Among others, the grounds of the appeal relate to the interpretation and application of the provisions of The Education Act, 1995 regarding principals and the removal of principalship duties. The South East Cornerstone School Division believes that the decision, if not appealed, could have significant impact on other boards in the province.”
Trombley said that legal counsel for the parties will prepare documentation for the next stage of the appeal.
“As is usually the case in matters of this nature, the process may take some time to complete. During this time, Mr. Oberg will continue in his position as a teacher with the Division,” said the statement.
In a statement sent to the Weyburn Review on Monday, Oberg said this decision is making it very difficult for him and his family to get on with their lives.
“I’m disappointed with the board’s refusal to acknowledge the mistakes that were made. The appeal will cause me further financial and emotional hardship, and it delays my family’s ability to put this matter behind us,” he said.
“I’m very grateful for the tremendous support of the community. I will vigorously defend the appeal and look forward to the Court of Appeal’s confirmation of the decision of the court below.”
Oberg noted that he remains on contract as a teacher for Cornerstone, but is currently on leave.
