NESD board member announces resignation

“The [byelection] is slated for Dec. 17 so we are hopeful that a Board member will be in place for the January Board meeting,” Lair explained.

She said it is important the position is filled because the vacancy occurred early in the Board’s term. The new board was elected last fall.

“A vacancy, however, does not pose a significant issue in the short term,” explained Lair. “Most people are familiar with representational governments, and a school board is different.”

Lair said in that scenario, people expect their elected official to push hard for their local community. However, school boards function differently, as a collective school division representational entity.

“Once elected, school board trustees do not only represent their subdivision or electorate,” Lair said. “Instead, they become part of the Board and are ethically required to act in the best interest of the entire division/district.”

Lair said any other board member can step in for the vacant board member for the interim.

Details of the byelection are being finalized, and Lair said they hope people consider running for the position, while understanding the time commitment and scope of the role. The division’s website has a description of the responsibilities of the position.

Enrolment was also discussed at the latest board meeting.

“Based on our initial unofficial registration numbers, overall enrolment in the school division has declined by 42 in comparison with Sept. 30 enrolment numbers last year,” Lair said. “However, we are nine higher than our projected numbers, which is important since those projections have guided our Board-approved budget.”

The official numbers will be taken this coming Monday.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

NESD board member announces resignation

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