Bob Borden acclaimed for fifth term as chair of the Upper Grand District School Board
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 2, 2008
GUELPH, Ontario — Bob Borden, trustee representing Orangeville, was acclaimed to his fifth term as Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board, at the board’s Inaugural Meeting held on Tuesday, December 2. Trustee Ralph Edwards, who represents the Townships of Guelph/Eramosa (Wards 3 and 4), the Town of Erin and the Township of Puslinch, was acclaimed as Vice Chair. Their terms of office run until December, 2009.
In his acclamation speech, Mr. Borden thanked his fellow trustees for their vote of confidence in his leadership. He said that he appreciates the opportunity to get out, meet and network with staff in the system whose efforts support student success in Upper Grand schools.
Now half way into their mandate, Mr. Borden challenged his fellow trustees to engage in meaningful discussions with senior staff to develop a board strategic plan that reflects current economic realities and the hopes and expectations of the community.
He talked about other issues and challenges facing the board in the near future and the year ahead:
- Declining enrolment and, in the current climate, the fact that the financial situation will not be status quo next budget year
- Continuing negotiations with secondary teachers to reach a collective agreement by the Government’s deadline of January 30, 2008, and hope that the return of elementary teachers (ETFO) to the Provincial Discussion Table will lead to an agreement with the government to allow for successful local negotiations
- Current Accommodation and Boundary Review in Centre Wellington, Central Guelph, East Wellington Dufferin and upcoming reviews
- Supporting staff in helping students meet the expectations of the provincial government in EQAO assessments
- The reality that there will be fewer resources from the provincial government at a time when there are increased community expectations.
In closing, Mr. Borden spoke about the need to do whatever possible to support student achievement and to maintain the collegial and focused approach that is the trademark of the Upper Grand District School Board.
Trustees were elected to serve as Chairs and Vice Chairs of the board’s Standing Committees.
Program: Chair Mark Bailey (Guelph Wards 1, 5 and 6) and Vice Chair Susan Moziar (Guelph Wards 2, 3 and 4 – acclaimed)
Business Operations: Chair Jennifer Waterston (Guelph Wards 2, 3 and 4 – acclaimed) and Vice Chair Bruce Schieck (Township of Wellington North, Wards 1 and 3, Town of Minto and Township of Mapleton – acclaimed)
Bob Borden is a retired elementary school principal (Peel District School Board), Founding Co-Chair (1998-99) of the Ontario Principals’ Council, President of the Peel Principals’ & Vice Principals’ Association (1996), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Public School Boards Association (2003 to present).
Ralph Edwards was first elected to the board during the 2000 municipal election, shortly after retiring from the position as President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 18 Teachers’ Bargaining Unit. His teaching career included serving as a technical studies teacher at Guelph CVI and Centennial CVI.
For more information: Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer, 519-822-4420, ext. 725, [email protected]
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