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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 21, 2007 - 11 Crowd behind board chair -- even if trustees weren't Continued from page 4 replace the extensive experience of Bailey and LeMay. "I fear that any attempt to put a trustee with a lack of experience in the position of chair or vice chair of the board, especially in these turbulent times that are faced by Catholic education, would serve to threaten the very fabric of the board and could seriously affect our ability to govern in a responsible and stable manner," he said. Wilhelm's statement was followed by thunderous applause, as was every other trustee who spoke in support of the chair and vice chair. The audience's reaction was somewhat different when a trustee seeking the resignation of Bailey and LeMay attempted to speak. "The fact that there are so many trustees that are asking for a changing of the guard at this time should be a signal to some that perhaps all isn't right around the board table," said Burlington trustee Joanne Matters before being interrupted by the angry grumbling of the audience. Again, Bailey quieted the crowd with the pounding of his gavel, but the crowd's anger only got worse as Matters continued to speak. "We've heard concerns about disagreement. This isn't about that. Perhaps this is about something much greater in terms of vision, in terms of how we see the board running," said Matters before she was cut off by another angry blast from the crowd. "We're not your pawns," one man yelled. Halton Catholic Board Chair Al Bailey "It's been made clear to us that there is a divergence of opinion around the role of trustee. We merely want to exercise our democratic role in a way that will bring about the betterment of this whole system," continued Matters. "I ask for your trust that each of us around this table is acting for your benefit tonight," she shouted as condemnation rained down from the audience. "You have to earn it," yelled one. "Inexperienced," shouted another. Members of the audience also made their opinions heard when the board allowed for individuals to speak. Concerned parent Heidi Murray appealed to the trustees pushing for the resignations to reconsider what they were doing. "What is going to happen if it goes the way these five trustees want tonight? What happens when the next item comes up that you can't agree upon? Where are we going from here?" she asked. "There is a huge movement out there to eradicate Catholic schools in Ontario and we're destroying them from within. It's terrifying. I'm begging you, please, do not allow this to happen tonight." Anne Marie Lozinski, Chair of the St. Dominic School Council in Oakville, read a letter on behalf of the council's parent members. "The Catholic community in Halton has placed its trust in our trustees, believing that they will work co-operatively in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation, thus setting an example to be emulated by the children of their schools. It is with deep dismay that we have observed that personal differences and political gamesmanship may be replacing efforts that should be guided by Christian love of neighbour," she said. "Differences in opinion are expected to occur, and are an essential part of dynamic efforts to seek the best possible solutions to the issues before the board. At a time when secular voices are questioning the need for a separate religious-based school board, it is more important than ever to demonstrate what shared Catholic values mean, in our ability to listen with respect to one another." Tears dripped down the face of community member Roman Soltys as he struggled to express his sadness at what he saw happening to the board. "Democracy is not about imposing your will on others simply because you have a majority," he said, choking back tears. "Democracy is the ability to listen and represent the interests of all the people who put you in power." In total, around 10 people addressed the board to express support for the current chair and vice chair and their dismay over the call for their resignation. No one in the audience came forward to support the motion, something Van de Vrande attempted to explain. "We had a lot of supporters here, but they chose not to speak because we had suggested that everyone coming be respectful as not everyone was on the other side," he said. "We hadn't e-mailed and tried to garner support, which we know the other side had done, because we were getting copies of those emails that were being circulated." In the end, the vote was held, those favoring the motion had the majority and the chair and vice chair declined to resign. Upon hearing the decision, the audience went wild many jumping to their feet and filling the boardroom with roaring applause and cheers. Flushed with victory LeMay reflected on the events leading to this moment. "This whole procedure has been the most un-Christian experience I've had in my 27 years with the school board," said LeMay. 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