Bob Borden, a trustee for Orangeville, was acclaimed for an eighth term as chairman of the Upper Grand District School Board during the annual organizational meeting Dec. 6.
Mark Bailey, the trustee for Guelph Wards 1 and 5, was elected vice-chairman. The positions are for a one-year term ending Nov. 30.
In his acceptance speech Borden declared this would be his last year as chairman. “The opportunity to continue to be involved in public education at this level is incredibly invigorating,” said Borden, a former teacher and principal.
“Being retired offers me the opportunity to direct my energies to what is a genuinely challenging position.”
Bailey, first elected to the board in 2006, steps into the role of vice-chairman with a provincial perspective gained from his position as vice-president, Central West on the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).
Borden told trustees that the next year will be challenging, citing coming labour negotiations, a series of complex boundary reviews, and the prospect of possible budget cuts as a result of the provincial deficit.
The board is also undertaking almost $90 million in capital projects to meet the needs of full day kindergarten and growth in high-enrolment areas.
“We must work together to ensure that the best interests of all of our students are served – not just in our own backyards,” Borden said,
Trustees were also acclaimed to serve as the chairmen and vice chairmen of the board’s two standing committees:
– program, chairman Susan Moziar (Guelph Wards 2, 3 and 4), vice-chairman Lynn Topping (Townships of Amaranth, East Luther/Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mulmur, and Towns of Mono and Shelburne); and
– business operations, chairman Marty Fairbairn (Guelph Ward 6 and Township of Puslinch), vice chairman: Bruce Schieck (Township of Wellington North, Town of Minto and Township of Mapleton).
