PEMBROKE — Dave Shields and Wendy Hewitt are again the chair and vice-chair of the Renfrew County District School Board.
They each gave an acceptance speech at the Dec. 2 board meeting.
Chair’s Address
Student achievement drives every conversation and decision made at the RCDSB board table.
It is both an honour and a privilege to have been elected as chair of the Renfrew County District School Board and a position that I accept with total commitment. I value the relationships that exist at our board table. My Vice-Chair Wendy Hewitt, the Director of Education Roger Clarke and I work as one and support each other. We don’t feel alone at the front of the room but very much a part of a team effort. Trustees and our administrative staff demonstrate consistently that everyone understands their role and is competent in their various responsibilities.
It was abundantly clear at our trustee strategic planning session in October that this group of elected officials understand the process of developing, monitoring and modifying our board’s comprehensive improvement plan as well as our strategic plan. Our exemplary planning directs and empowers our staff in their work. I believe we have created a caring, compassionate school system that reflects our local culture and we manage our board’s resources effectively to ensure all of our students are prepared for a successful future.
Due to a recent change in board policy, we asked our student body to elect a student trustee for a two-year term. Fellowes High School Grade 11 student Connor Webster was the successful candidate and has hit the ground running. Last month he delivered his first report. He has already done a remarkable job of connecting with student leaders from our board and across the province through a provincial student trustee conference he attended. This gives the RCDSB a welcomed student perspective and voice as we make decisions and board policies.
The RCDSB has, for the first time, three trustees elected to leadership roles with the Ontario Public School Board Association. Many of our board administrators have also accepted roles as leaders in their respective provincial organizations. We have positioned ourselves to influence positive change in education policy both locally and provincially. We have developed a succession planning strategy that not only fills our administrative needs but has provided two of our neighbouring boards with new directors of education this year.
Our success depends on positive relationships throughout our system. We have developed a culture that encourages staff to take risks without fear. Employees throughout our system seek leadership roles because they see this as a positive, well-supported experience. Staff that come to our board and committee meetings present with enthusiasm and are welcomed by a group of trustees appreciative of their hard work. Trustees ask insightful questions and demonstrate a deep understanding of a wide variety of programs and services the RCDSB provides. We have established a culture that encourages staff to try new and innovative methods of dealing with the many challenges of the 21st century.
In June, we officially opened our new state-of-the-art – Valour JK 12 School in Petawawa. In
September 2016, we hope to complete the renovations to Madawaska Valley District High
School so we can accommodate the elementary students of Sherwoood Public School, creating our third JK-12 school in the community of Barry’s Bay. We see this as a future model for our small rural board as we address the impact of declining enrolment.
I believe the RCDSB is a provincial model for the success of the Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) program. Our seven secondary schools offer 41 programs in 15 sectors with a large number of students enrolled in this program.
The RCDSB Information and Communication Technology Plan places us ahead of the curve in a quickly changing world. We embrace and amply fund the use of modern technology to enhance teaching and learning in every corner of our large rural board.
In conclusion, I want to thank my nominator Trustee Humphries and my seconder Trustee
Dunsmoor-Lough (the newest member to our board). Thank you both for demonstrating confidence in my ability to lead our board for another term. I am so impressed with the quality of our new trustees as they have joined an already hard working group of trustees committed to providing the best possible tools, environment and support for every one of the precious students in our care.
As I both reflect and look to the future, I can proudly say together we have accomplished much, but there is more to be done to ensure all of our students reach their full potential.
Vice Chair’s Address
First of all I wish to say thank you to Bryon Morris and Leo Boland for nominating me and to all trustees who also supported me in my desire to continue my role as the vice chairperson of the RCDSB for a second term.
The past year has been a great learning experience for me and I have appreciated the supporting role and friendship of our Chair Dave Shields. I can honestly say that putting students first has always been a priority in our discussions over the past year. I have also grown to value the input of each and every one of our trustees as we all have our different skill sets around the table which has made it a very unique yet collaborative environment. I also believe we have worked very well together as a team and I look forward to watching you all continue to grow as we work together for the benefit of our students in the RCDSB.
In closing I also want to thank our Director of Education Roger Clarke who has kept a good working relationship with our board so we can focus on our roles, which is improving student achievement and the well being of our students. His strong leadership skills have been evident in our organization as I have personally witnessed the respect others have for not only our director but also for our executive team which includes our administrative assistant Shelley McIntyre, our communication officer Jake Davies and Superintendents Brent McIntyre, Gayle Bishop, Cathy McCann-Kyte, Lisa Schimmens and Dennis Jenkins.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions to our students and I look forward to continuing to work alongside of all of you around the table.
