Toronto, July 15, 2011 – The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that Catherine Fife was acclaimed as President of OPSBA at the Annual General Meeting held on July 9, 2011.
During this particularly active year, Catherine Fife has emerged as a respected voice in the province on every issue affecting public education and has been fully engaged in creating and influencing positive change. In preparation for the fall provincial elections, President Fife has communicated the priorities and expectations of the Association to all parties.
“A strong public education system that is reflective and attuned to change can reshape, redefine and strengthen the relationships that we have as citizens to our economy and environment,” said OPSBA President Catherine Fife.”It is, above all, a supreme human endeavour and worth fighting for – many elections have been won and lost on an idea that shifts or risks the thinking around education. We as elected officials will be tireless in standing up for our core responsibility – our students.”
Catherine, a trustee from the Waterloo Region District School Board, will continue to be supported in her position as President of OPSBA by 1st Vice-President Lori Lukinuk from Lakehead District School Board and 2nd Vice-President Michael Barrett from Durham District School Board. OPSBA’s President and Vice-Presidents offer a depth of expertise and determination that will serve the Association well in its work in the year ahead.
In addition to the President, two Vice-Presidents and the Past President, OPSBA’s Executive Council includes: Louise Clodd, Vice-President, Central East Region, (Trillium Lakelands District School Board); Peggy Sattler, Vice-President, Western Region, (Thames Valley District School Board); Graham Lidstone, Vice-President, Northern Region, (Algoma District School Board); Mark Bailey, Vice-President, Central West Region, (Upper Grand District School Board); David Shields, Vice-President, Eastern Region, (Renfrew County District School Board); and Howard Goodman, Vice-President (Enrolment), (Toronto District School Board).
OPSBA is pleased to announce that Peter Garrow, trustee with Upper Canada District School Board, has been elected as First Nations Director.
“In the past year, OPSBA has placed First Nation, Métis and Inuit education as a top priority and I am much honoured to represent the Native Trustees at the Board of Directors table to continue this work in partnership between local school boards and our communities,” said Peter Garrow.
As past Director of Education for the Assembly of First Nations, Peter brings a depth of experience, commitment and knowledge that will strengthen public education for First Nation students and bring benefits for all students.
– 30 –
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Sprang
OPSBA Communications
(416) 340-2540