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New chair, vice chair at public school board By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Amy Collard, a trustee from Burlington's Ward 5, was acclaimed as the new chair of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) Wednesday (Dec. 5) night. "We're fortunate to be part of this board at a time when the possibilities seem endless and our goals are within reach," Collard said in her opening address. Collard, who was first elected as trustee in 2010, told her fellow trustees and members of the public the coming year will have its challenges. "Having said that, there's still much work to be done. The coming year will be challenging. The fiscal constraints that boards across Ontario are facing will put us to the test. Difficult decisions are on the horizon and we will make those decisions always putting the needs of our students first," she said. The chair and vice-chair positions are elected among trustees for a one-year term. Oakville trustee Don Vrooman, who held the post for the past two terms, did not seek re-election as chair. Oakville Ward 4 trustee Kathryn Working together, we've been able to accomplish a great deal and I look forward to achieving even more with you in the year to come," Collard said. Bateman-Olmstead, who faced fellow Oakville trustees Ann Harvey-Hope and Kelly Amos for the vice-chair position, said she and Collard would make a dynamic to head the board. "I believe that your experience and attention to detail," she said, addressing Collard, "and my wide ranging interest and involvement and out-of-the-box thought processes will serve this board and the students very well." When Vrooman told the board he would not seek re-election for the chair's position, he said he had confidence in the board to continue to move forward. "My confidence in this board is such that if anybody is going to move education into the 21st century, it will be those people in this room and the staff that we entrust our children with in the system," he said. 7 · Friday, December 7, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Amy Collard Kathryn Bateman-Olmstead Bateman-Olmstead, who has been trustee since 2006, was elected as vice-chair. Collard called this a pivotal time for the school board as it's planning to embark on a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures. The board is also beginning to appraise its French programming, which could lead to changes in how the board offers the second language program and it will be looking at restructuring its transportation consortia. "Uppermost in all of our minds are the current labour negotiations," Collard said. "The Halton District School Board is committed to every student and we will continue to keep our students in the forefront as we work through these challenging times." She said teamwork and collaboration are essential to the board's success. The new chair said trustees have made difficult decisions at the table and will do so again. Trustees bring differing opinions and unique perspectives on education issues, but it's important to work together. "Over the past two years I have listened to each of you carefully. Your passion for education is e v i d e n t . NO INTEREST, NO PAYMENTS UNTIL 2014 · Call For FREE In-Home Estimate High Efficiency Furnace www.atlantisair.com HEATING · AIR CONDITIONING · FIREPLACES 905-845-4009 Give the Beautiful GREETING CARDS and WALL PRINTS of Oakville! GIFT OAKVILLE! All at reduced prices for Christmas! Plus professional portrait photography! Go to www.scotteephotography.com (Store Manager) Kim Karen (Owner) Workers Untie! Brothers and Sisters! End the tyranny of lace-up work boots with the legendary CSA Greenpatch! New "memory" footbeds! Extra cushioning! More support for workers' rights and lefts! Striking kick-toe protects leather! Strong, yet light! Free your hands! Unite and untie! The, CSA Greenpatch Available in Brown and Black 50 OFF % JOSEPH RIBKOFF, FRANK LYMAN & NOT YOUR DAUGHTER'S JEANS NEW MARKDOWNS NOW INCLUDING Watch Us Fashions 1131 Nottinghill Gate (Glen Abbey) (905) 339-Foot (3668) OPEN: Tuesday-Sunday · CLOSED: Monday 213 Lakeshore Rd., East OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 905-827-2271