There were not any close races in the run for trustee positions on the Upper Grand District School Board.
For result numbers click here.
In the East Garafraxa, Erin and Guelph-Eramosa riding, incumbent Kathryn Cooper swept up the majority of votes, taking home 4,437, leaving opponent Brandon Moyer with 1,516.
Cooper said one of the things she plans to focus on during the next term is the implementation of the Ministry of Education’s environmental education policy into all parts of the curriculum.
“I heard a lot of people asking about value for money and if we don’t have eco-efficient facilities and reduce and conserve to our maximum ability wastewater, energy and material … then we’re throwing money out the window,” she said.
“It’s good learning for the kids, but it also allows us to free up money and put it directly into the classroom and it’s something all trustees should be interested in.”
Cooper said she was also impressed by her opponents campaign.
“[Brandon] had his heart in an amazing place and I hope we can find some ways to keep him involved in the education community as we go forward,” she said.
Marty Fairbairn had the lead in the City of Guelph (Ward 6) and Puslinch Township with 3,469 votes, followed by Chris Cassel with 1,424 ballots and Tyler Rockliffe at 727.
In Centre Wellington, Barabara Lustgarten-Evoy came out on top with a comfortable 3,973 votes, over David Gohn’s 3,206.
Gohn said it was a tricky campaign because of the mail-in vote – meaning some residents voted a month ago, but he said he understood the accessibility benefit.
“Personally, it was a long six weeks,” he said.
Gohn said he thought the board has functioned well over the past four years and did not see any major crisis coming in the next term, “depending of course on the Ministry of Education.”
Lustgarten-Evoy said she would like to thank her family, friends and volunteers who helped run her campaign and she is looking forward to the next four years.
“Congratulations to David Gohn on a past job very well done and to all of the good folks who ran for office during this election,” she said.
“I am committed to the people of Centre Wellington and look forward to doing my very best as your new public school board trustee.”
Bruce Schieck, who has held the position since 1991 was acclaimed to the Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North seat.
– With files from Mike Robinson
