On Tuesday night, the School District 57 board of trustees named Tim Bennett as chair for the next year.
Trish Bella is now vice chair while longtime trustee Sharel Warrington takes on the role as B.C. School Trustees Association (BCSTA) provincial councilor and BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) representative. Former board chair Tony Cable, Bruce Wiebe, Brenda Hooker, and Bob Harris will remain as trustees.
"We have a really big year ahead of us for the district," said Bennett.
"Between the provincial election and the new curriculum - but as well we have the brand new superintendent and two brand new assistant superintendents and we have a new strategic plan that we are in the process of operationalizing so I think it's going to be a busy and exciting year for School District 57."
Last year, the board presented a new strategic plan just before Superintendent Marilyn Marquis-Forster began her position in August, Bennett said. The plan ensures priorities are met and are sustainable, such as seeing rural communities get the same educational opportunities as everyone else in the 52,000 square kilometre school district that has almost 13,000 students and more than 2,000 employees.
"We have a great board," said Bennett.
"I get to work with some pretty amazing and passionate people and we have amazing staff right from the board office through the entire system who are doing great work for our kids each and every day. In my role as chair, I am one of seven trustees who are committed to ensuring that we are providing the best quality public education for the 13,000 students in the district."
One of the priorities is to keep communication open with the MLAs who are heading into an election year, said Bennett.
"I know our board and the trustees want to make sure that public education is front and centre as an election priority in May," said Bennett, who sights support for children learning in the classroom and keeping and maintaining buildings as a priority.
"It's an opportunity and honour to serve the district in this capacity and I'm looking forward to working with the six other trustees who all bring extreme experience, passion and knowledge to the district and I'm looking forward to tackling the many challenges in the year ahead."
