Learn a bit more about the leadership positions on SD 57 Board of Trustees

The new School District 57 Board of Trustees held its inaugural meeting on November 6th. At it, trustees elected a number of leadership positions.

The first nomination came for Board Chair, with Tim Bennett accepting the role once again.

“I had the opportunity to be Chair for two years on the last board, had the opportunity to be vice-chair on the last board and two years on the previous board. So having the opportunity to serve in those leadership positions, it’s just an honour that this new board was able to see how I performed as Chair over the last two years and kept their faith in me for another year.”

The most experienced board member, Sharel Warrington, earned her way to Vice-Chair. A former Chair herself, Warrington’s experience is what she believes will be her strongest trait in the position.

“My experience should really help to move the board forward. Committee work, liaison work with our schools, there is a lot of new work that the new board needs to adjust to and, having done that work, I believe I can be a strong mentor.”

Following the Chair and Vice-Chair nominations, liaison-style positions were appointed.

First-time trustee Ron Polillo earned the early trust of his colleagues, being elected BC School Trustees Association Provincial Councillor.

“I will be the representative from School District 57 working with school trustees right across the province on education and on advocacy, in particular with the government.”

Betty Bekkering, who returned to the board after a one-term absence, was put on as the representative for the BC Public School Employers’ Association.

“I will be making sure we are doing the right things with money and making sure that we are bargaining well with all of the employees for any of the school districts.”

This is the first year five trustees were elected in Prince George, one from Mackenzie and one from the Robson Valley. Bennett says this will be able to bring issues from other communities to the table in a manner more effectively than before. The Mackenzie trustee is Shuirose Valimohamed and the Robson Valley trustee is Bob Thompson.