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Vrooman back as HDSB chair By DOMINIK KUREK Metroland Media Group Oakville Wards 1 and 2 Trustee Don Vrooman is staying on for a second term as the chair of the Halton District School Board, and he admits that challenges await. The votes for chair and vice-chair positions at the board were made at last Wednesday's meeting. The positions are elected by secret ballot for a one-year term. Joining Vrooman at the head of the table is Burlington Ward 5 Trustee Amy Collard, who beat out incumbent hopeful Oakville Trustee Kelly Amos for the vice-chair's position. After the meeting, Vrooman said the upcoming year should be a good one for the board, compared to the last. In 2011, the board had to deal with several changes, including a new board of trustees and a new director of education. By this time, he said, all those individuals understand their roles much better and are ready to move forward. However, there are a number of 9 challenges facing the board, he said, with the issue of growth being key among them. "Our biggest challenge, form almost any perspective, is the growth of the board," he said. Aside from growth, there are other upcoming concerns for the school board. This includes the board having to negotiate with a number of employee groups, respond to the Ministry of Education's requirements for student success, keep moving towards a 21st century-style of classroom and learning while dealing with 75 schools that are between 20 and 100 years old, deal with bullying concerns, face Halton's disparity in the distribution of wealth, serve the special education students, deal with mental health in children and youth, be proactive in terms equity and inclusion as the diversity of the community increases, among other issues. Vrooman was up against fellow Oakville Trustees Amos and Kathryn Bateman-Olmstead for the chair's position. Cadillac New Year's Eve 2012 @ Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 15, 2011 ing c n a D e n i L Party Favo urs Limited number of Delicious Prime Rib Eye Dinner Buffet Tickets & much more . . . only $ Early Bird Party & Tickets only $ 2500 20 00 LeMay returns to lead Catholic board Veteran Oakville Trustee Alice Anne LeMay has been returned as chair of the Halton Catholic District School Board. Trustees elected its leadership at last Tuesday's meeting. Milton Trustee Diane Rabenda will serve as vice-chair. The term of office is for one year. Champagne Toast at Midnight $100 VIP Bottle Service Available The hottest party of the year - Don't Miss Out!!! Visit www.nashvillenorth.ca for tickets! 905-702-7677 or 647-625-6250 or BBM 2847BA50 www.facebook.com/nashville north Wrap it up 25% OFF CHRISTMAS 265 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN 905-873-2753 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK