Prince George’s school board chair says goodbye to public life after 17 years

After 17 years of serving on School District No. 57’s board, Sharel Warrington has completed her last public meeting.

The board of trustees completed its final meeting Tuesday night before the newly elected board will be inaugurated on Nov. 7.

Warrington, who worked as a teacher for 30 years before running as a trustee in 2005, finished her lengthy career as board chair.

She said it was with mixed emotions that she decided to retire from public life, as she made the choice to not seek re-election this fall.

“When I reflect on these past 17 years, there is much to be proud of. Yes, there have been many challenges and some very difficult times and difficult decisions to be made but throughout it all this district has stayed true to its commitment to keep students at the centre of all we do, to be responsible and accountable stewards as we address the diverse needs of our very large and complex school district,” said Warrington.

“The past four years have tested our resilience, commitment, and accountability. Upon reflection, it is my hope that this test has made the district stronger, more resilient, committed and truly accountable not only for the decisions we have been called upon to make but also for the work ahead.”

She said there is a lot of good work to celebrate and be recognized in classrooms, schools and throughout the district.

“Finally, to the new board who will take the helm on Nov. 7 as departing trustee. I remember that first inauguration in 2005 and the feeling of being overwhelmed by both excitement for the work ahead and the knowledge I had much to learn,” said Warrington.

“I came to understand that huge learning curve as I entered into the work of governance and in particular in understanding what I means to govern responsibly and effectively. It is both a demanding and rewarding learning journey and I wish each of you all the very best as you take on this important work.”

Trustees Ron Polillo and Tim Bennett also served their final meeting as both have been elected as city councillors and will also be inaugurated to Prince George city council on Nov. 7.

“This is my last meeting, and I am starting a new exciting chapter of my life as a city councillor,” said Polillo, who served four years as a trustee.

“When I ran four years ago, I ran to make a difference for our students and my two daughters who were in the system and who are now both graduated from SD57. I leave with the confidence that we’ve completed some important work. Yes, it was challenging four years at times, but I think we have done some really good work together as a board.”

Bennett is also finishing a lengthy time as a board trustee, as he was first elected 11 years ago.

“It is a really bittersweet decision to leave the public education sector,” said Bennett.

“We have incredible staff in our district, and we also know times are tough right now and our staff are giving everything they have. We as community members and advocates, and a new board, we just need to continue to fight for the system, for our students, staff, and parents because it is a system worth fighting for and we need to continue to ensure the supports are there for our students.”

Trustee Milton Mahoney, who won the January by-election but was not re-elected as a trustee during the Oct. 15 election, also had outgoing comments.

“It’s been a rocky nine months and sometimes it has been an enjoyable nine months. I got to meet and enjoy the company of many people and I’ve learned a lot from different people,” said Mahoney.

“There are people in the room who didn’t really appreciate the way I do things. That’s fine. I didn’t come on board to win a popularity contest. My goal was for the kids.”

Returning trustees Betty Bekkering, Bob Thompson and Rachael Weber will be joining the new recruits Erica McLean, Corey Atrim, Gillian Burnett, and Craig Brennan in taking the oath of office on Nov. 7 officially forming the 2022-26 term.

The first official public meeting following the inauguration of the new board won’t take place until December, however, because the November meeting was cancelled in order to allow the new trustees to participate in an orientation to familiarize themselves with board operations.