School Board Trustee steps down

Education

To Comment on this article Click Here

As our four year term draws to a close, many trustees are looking back and reviewing the events of the past 3 ½ years. For me, these years have been both challenging and rewarding. Although the challenges have led to a full review of the Board, it might appear that this is all the trustees have been doing, but I can assure you this is not the case.

These so-called crises have been more than offset by the multitude of wonderful things that have happened in Bluewater. And even challenges and “crises” can have a positive effect.

The trusteesʼ responses to all these issues have brought about a determination to re-write by-laws and policies to help future boards have a stronger governance structure, and from my perspective, with all the extra time and effort that this requires, the Board of Trustees has become a much stronger entity.

As I mentioned earlier , there have been many wonderful things that have happened in Bluewater and it would take me a number of pages to describe them all but the following is just a taste: Many new High Skills Majors being offered; successful ARC reviews and new schools being built; steady EQAO improvements; fascinating programs within individual schools.

Underlying all the positives in Bluewater is the commitment, dedication, and hard work of our teachers and principals. I am always impressed with the amount of extra time many teachers give to our students so that our children are able to have a more fulfilling time at school. And I am also impressed by all the support staff (office professionals, custodial, EAʼs and many others) who make our schools safe and welcoming for our students. And, of course, I am constantly amazed by the achievements of our students who continuously exceed our expectations as they excel in the many opportunities afforded to them.

I have also had the privilege during my term to get to know the parents at my eight schools through the SCCʼs and I have nothing but the greatest admiration for all the parents in Bluewater as they provide constant support to their children and their schools.

The most difficult part of this newsletter for me is to announce that I will not be seeking reelection this October. To be a good trustee, one must be willing to commit a great deal of time and

I just cannot see myself sitting at the board table in my seventies. As well, with both of our children now married, I expect to be stepping into a new role very shortly and I wish to devote my time to my new job as grandfather. So to the voters of Arran-Elderslie and Saugeen Shores, I would like to thank you for having given me the privilege of being your trustee.

  Ross King

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Tuesday, May 11, 2010