Borden and Bailey to lead board
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2011
Borden and Bailey to lead board
GUELPH, Ontario – Bob Borden, the trustee representing the town of Orangeville, was acclaimed for an eighth term as Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board during the Annual Organizational meeting held Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Mark Bailey, trustee for Guelph Wards 1 and 5, was elected as Vice-chair. The positions are for a one-year term ending November 30, 2012.
In his acceptance speech Borden declared that this would be his last year as Board Chair.
“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.”
Mark Bailey, first elected to the Board in 2006, steps into the role of Vice-chair with a provincial perspective gained from his position as Vice-President, Central West on the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).
“The time I have spent working with OPSBA has made me realize that we, as trustees, should not be take our working relationship with the Director and senior administration for granted,” said Bailey. “Many boards in our province discard precious time and energy on petty politics, and all of it takes away from the primary goal of student success.”
Borden told trustees that the next year will be challenging, citing upcoming 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,” Borden said, “not just in our own backyards.”
Trustees were also acclaimed to serve as the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the board’s two Standing Committees:
- Program: Chair Susan Moziar (Guelph Wards 2, 3 and 4), Vice-chair Lynn Topping (Townships of Amaranth, East Luther/Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mulmur, and Towns of Mono and Shelburne)
- Business Operations: Chair Marty Fairbairn (Guelph Ward 6 and Township of Puslinch), Vice-chair: Bruce Schieck (Township of Wellington North, Town of Minto and Township of Mapleton)
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext. 725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext. 544
[email protected]
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