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Trustee Megan Dykeman elected School Board Chair

The new 91原创 Board of Education was sworn in on Nov. 5.
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Megan Dykeman was voted to be the School Board Chair on Nov. 5. Miranda Fatur Black Press

The 91原创 School Board鈥檚 in at the inaugural meeting on Nov. 5 at the School Board office.

Trustees Megan Dykeman, Suzanne Perreault, Marnie Wilson, Rod Ross, and David Tod were elected by the Township and Tony Ward and Shelley Coburn were elected by the City.

The trustees were sworn in by Honourable Judge Rita Bowry.

During the meeting, the elected officials voted Dykeman for Board Chair and Coburn for Vice Chair.

In the Oct. 20 election, incumbent Megan Dykeman topped the polls with 13,420 votes.

鈥淗aving the chair position is an honour and privilege and it鈥檚 one that I take seriously,鈥 said Dykeman.

鈥淚 believe some of the most significant issues that we do have is our space and communication within the district and moving forward to ensure that our long-term facilities plan is put in place and student success stays at the centre.

Dykeman also mentioned she wants to work closely with the province to ensure adequate funding is in the district.

Incumbent Ross gave advice to the new Board members.

鈥淏e an asker, choose to listen, be comfortable with disagreement. Do not take offence and expect the best of each other. This is a new Board, we need to say goodbye to yesterday. With fresh ideas, it鈥檚 a new era.鈥

Several trustees thanked their friends and family for support, and promised to put children鈥檚 interests and needs first.

Newcomer Wilson said it鈥檚 a privilege to serve as a trustee.

鈥淒ifferent people run for elected positions for different reasons, the most common reason is out of frustration with the current system or a desire for change. I don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 a secret those are the reasons I ran. I am passionate about communication and consultation鈥攖wo areas that are key for public engagement.鈥

Wilson said she wants to increase interaction with the public, actively seek solutions to staffing shortages, and work on improving student resources and inclusion.

Of the elected trustees, Dykeman, Ross, Coburn and Tod are returning to the board, while Perreault, Ward and Wilson are newcomers.

Board chair Rob McFarlane opted not to run again, as did trustee Alison McVeigh.

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Marnie Wilson recites the swearing in oath at the School Board office. Miranda Fatur Black Press