Mark Bailey, vice-chair of the Upper Grand District School Board, has been elected 2nd vice-president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).
The organization represents public school boards and school authorities that serve 1.3 million students across the province.
Bailey, a trustee for Guelph wards 1 and 5, was elected during an OPSBA meeting on Sept. 22. Also elected to top-ranking positions were Durham District School Board trustee Michael Barrett, president, and Lakehead District School Board trustee Lori Lukinuk as 1st vice-president.
The election was triggered by the resignation of OPSBA’s former president, Catherine Fife, who was elected in a by-election to become the MPP for the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo.
“We are entering a challenging time in public education, and I hope to help OPSBA and our key partners keep cool heads and focus squarely on what is in the best interests of our students,” said Bailey.
“We must find a way to move forward together to best prepare Ontario students for the challenges they will face entering an increasingly competitive global work environment.”
Bailey’s replacement as OPSBA’s Central West Region Chair will be determined by election at a regional meeting to be held in October.
Bailey began volunteering his time to OPSBA not long after his election as a school board trustee in 2006. As chair of the editorial advisory board of Education Today, the organization’s thrice-yearly magazine, he is well acquainted with the wide range of issues and innovative ideas for education in Ontario.
Trustees of the UGDSB formally endorsed Bailey’s candidacy to the VP position on Aug. 28.
“Mark has always dealt with his responsibilities with the highest of standards,” chair Bob Borden said in a letter of support sent to other board chairs. “His passion for public education, both in the Upper Grand and the province, is unmatched.”
