School board trustees describe ‘threats’ and ‘vitriol’ during COVID-19 pandemic – CBC

‘I’m not in it to get death threats, that’s for sure,’ said trustee Keith Penny

Aug 22, 2022

Keith Penny says he signed on to be a school board trustee to help students.

But as his second term comes to a close, Penny isn’t planning to run again, citing the threats he received during the COVID-19 pandemic as a big reason.

The Orléans-Cumberland representative for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) said he doesn’t believe in professional politicians, so he’s not putting his name on the ballot again. But he told CBC’s Ottawa Morning that wasn’t the only reason for his decision.

“I’ve received all sorts of unusual letters, some really extreme, some even threatening myself and my family,” said Penny, who is also vice-chair of the board.

“I’m just in it to … create an environment where students can learn, where students’ well-being is taken care of. I’m not in it to get death threats, that’s for sure.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-carleton-school-board-trustee-threats-1.6556269