The Avon Maitland District School board has issued a statement about refusing leave for a teacher to bring his elderly veteran father to the Liberation of Holland Celebration.
Director of Education Ted Doherty says the board's first priority is to ensure the best learning environment for students.
The statement says Art Boon Sr. has been an important contributor to the learning environment by sharing his Second World War experiences.
Doherty says the recent decision to deny a leave of absence requested by Boon's son who is a teacher with the board was taken very seriously.
He says the board considers a number of factors during leave requests such as the number of previous leaves granted, and how recently they occurred.
"We have granted numerous requests in the past and last year it was made very clear that they wouldn't be granted anymore," Doherty told CKNX News on Monday. "So that's part of the issue there are lots of other factors go into this and we're trying really hard not to cause any distress to anyone involved."
The board also looks at the length of the leave requested, and how that will impact students.
And the board reviews any prior mutual understandings clearly expressed regarding future requests from the employee.
Doherty says all such decisions must take into account the need to ensure a quality learning environment, and fairness for all employees.
An online petition will be presented to the board today to ask that they approve another leave for Mr. Boon's son.