Kawartha Lakes trustee becomes the Chair of the TLDSB

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A Kawartha Lakes trustee has been named the Chair of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB).

As part of the annual procedure, the board held their organizational board meeting on Tuesday, December 5th, which involved trustees voting on who would be the Chair and vice chair of the board.

Two trustees were nominated to be the Chair of the board: Kawartha Lakes Ward 7 Trustee Colleen Wilcox and Bracebridge trustee Esther Childs. Board members elected trustee Wilcox as the Chair.

“This was a tough process for me. I did a lot of soul-searching. I have been on the board for eight years, and in those eight years, I’ve sat back, and I’ve watched, and I’ve listened and learned,” Trustee Wilcox stated. “Running for Chair is a job I have not done. But, at this time, I am ready for it.”

While she noted she expects the board to “have a couple of challenging years ahead,” she said she is ready to face the challenge of leadership as she feels “my mentors have taught me well.”

Trustee Wilcox also outlined how she plans to lead this board of trustees.

“I am here to be your spokesperson, to work for you and work with you. I don’t believe there’s one voice. We’re nine, and we all work together, and that’s very important.”

Huntsville Trustee Bruce Reain previously served as Chair of this board.

Trustee Childs was elected the Vice Chair of the board. Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay Trustee Louise Clodd had also been nominated to run for the role.

“I’m thrilled to accept the nomination as vice chair,” Trustee Childs said. “I do believe having a fresh voice at the Chair’s council is important.”