This is my last full meeting as chair of the Renfrew County District School Board and as I prepare to take my leave, I am filled with mixed emotions.
While I am not going far – about ten feet in either direction – I am nonetheless sad that I won’t have the privilege of representing the Board as your chair when visiting schools, meeting staff and representing our Board at the provincial level.
Back in September when we gathered at Calabogie for our strategic planning session, I opened the session with a metaphor that, with your permission, I’d like to mention again to you tonight;
“All too often, school board members are like firefighters on the ground, battling the flames when they should be in a helicopter above the fire, able to see how extensive the blaze is, which way the wind is blowing and where the resources need to be deployed”.
I mention this again because, more than anyone else here, my long history with the Board has provided me with perspective on the differences between a good board and a great board and I can honestly say that this group epitomizes that ideal. In just two short years, I’ve seen the commitment and focus that each of you have for student achievement and well-being.
I leave the position of board chair today happy because I’m confident that all of our trustees are in the helicopter. And while we may be changing pilots – I am comforted to know that whomever the Director is come the New Year, this group of trustees are prepared and ready for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
I am extremely proud of the level of involvement our board has at the provincial level. Four of us have been in leadership roles with the Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) over the last two years. Past board chair David Kaiser and trustee Susan Humphries as OPSBA directors, Marjorie Adam was elected as a member of the OPSBA Education Program Work Team and my role as Eastern Regional Vice President. I know that our board administration is active provincially also because their names come up often at the OPSBA executive table.
I want to also make a special point of highlighting the valuable role of our two student trustees.
This is the first year that our board has had two student trustees and I know you’ll agree that they’ve established themselves as an invaluable voice for our entire student body. At our last board meeting they delivered an unprecedented four page detailed student trustees report that left me awestruck at the level of participation each have in their role within our district and beyond – including most recently at the Ontario Student Trustees Association. And while I don’t know where you find the time for school, I do know that both of you will most certainly go on to do great things and that reassures me. I look forward to reading about your exploits and achievements.
I believe that a combination of good strategic planning and solid knowledge of our ever evolving provincial education system serves our students well. There are many examples of our board seizing opportunities to bring innovative programs that benefit our students. I’ll pick one that demonstrates how our small rural board leads the province. Our Specialist High Skills Majors program is a prime example.
These programs have evolved into 39 SHSM programs running, representing 14 sectors. There are currently 877 students enrolled (434 Grade 11s and 443 Grade 12s). This a huge accomplishment for a board of our size.
Finally, over the past two years I have enjoyed working with my vice chair Wendy Hewitt. She embraced her leadership role with a dedication and enthusiasm that is as unwavering as it is contagious. Thank you for your counsel and quick smile.
As for the staff – it has been an honour and a privilege to work with you. From the director and senior team to all levels within the Renfrew County District School Board, I am proud of the culture of innovation, cooperation and dedication that serves all of our students so well. Thank you all for making my years as chair rewarding and fulfilling.
