The decision to award an Island teen $16,000 to research teacher education in Victoria and Helsinki, Finland, did not break government policy, an Education Ministry investigation has found.
Fassbender said that although it was an “unusual set of circumstances,” the way the money was awarded was consistent with procurement procedures.
“It is imperative that the ministry continue to seek out the perspectives of students and young people on how to improve our education system,” Fassbender said.
“However, in this case, I believe the ministry could have pursued these important objectives in a more cost-effective manner. It is a reminder that we must remain prudent with tax dollars as we continue our efforts to improve the education system.”
Anjali Vyas, a graduate of Stelly’s Secondary in Saanich, was awarded the funds in two agreements. The first, a sponsored research agreement for $8,000 made in September 2012, was sent through the Saanich school district, as Vyas was 17 at the time and government policy prohibits contracts with underage recipients.
The second agreement, an $8,000 direct-award contract signed June 28, 2013, was made when Vyas was 19. She received the fees on March 28, 2014.
An additional $3,075 was paid by the ministry to Vyas to cover flights and accommodation.
The review made recommendations to “further strengthen” ministry procedure immediately.
They include requiring the deputy minister to approve sponsored research agreements with school districts, requiring the deputy’s signature rather than email approval, as well as requiring all authorities to attend a one-hour procurement policy “refresher session.”
Jordan Bateman, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, said he appreciated that the report was published in only two days.
“I appreciate the expediency and the fact that they’re closing the loophole that allowed this contract to happen,” he said.
But he said it leaves something wanting.
“It certainly doesn’t actually review the questions as to: Why this contractor? Why this project?”
Fassbender said he disagrees with the way the funds were awarded, but suspects no real foul play.
“Hindsight is 20-20 and I have the benefit of hindsight. I would not have made that decision,” he said. “But I do not question the motives of the decisions of Ms. Vyas or Rick Davis,” the ministry official who arranged the funding.
Fassbender confirmed that Davis will retire next month — something the minister said he has known for months.
“It has absolutely nothing to do with this situation,” Fassbender said.
The minister said he is not considering any reprimand for Davis.
“I think he saw a young person with a passion for education and he wanted to help,” Fassbender said. “Rick, as much as anyone, regrets how this has evolved.”
Fassbender apologized to Vyas for the way her work came under scrutiny after the agreement became public.
“Through no fault of her own, a very talented and dedicated young woman has been subjected to unfair allegations that her work was of no value or the manner in which she pursued it was inappropriate.”
