Western School Division Board of Trustees selected a new board chair and vice chair at Monday night's reorganization meeting. Long serving board chair Brian Fransen declined the nomination for both board chair and vice chair.
Former vice chair Darcy Wolfe was acclaimed as board chair and is ready to lead.
"It feels great. I'm very happy and very proud and I'm honoured that my fellow trustees elected me to this role. I want to thank former chair Brian Fransen for being such a good example and all the chairs in the past that have done such a great job to lay the groundwork for the division and left this board in such a great spot. I thank my fellow trustees for trusting me, and I hope I can do the job up to the standards they expect."
Wolfe is in his second term as trustee and is excited about the future of the division and the incredible opportunities ahead for our students and staff.
"We have a strong and vibrant community that supports public education, and I am committed to fostering that connection as we continue to grow together."
Looking into the coming year, Wolfe said managing growth is still a top priority.
"We're a fast-growing division. We have been growing really quickly for the last number of years. So, I think that's one of our one of our biggest challenges is letting each student find their spot in the school that they're going to. A lot of newcomers are still coming to Morden. We just heard today about more families coming. So, I think that's something that we really want to focus on, making sure that all the students feel comfortable in school. Feeling safe in school and that parents know that their kids are comfortable and safe in school."
Wolfe looks forward to working as a team.
"I’m fortunate to have a fantastic team of trustees and a strong administrative staff to work with. Together, we will navigate new challenges and celebrate our achievements, always keeping the success and well-being of our students at the forefront. I look forward to working with our community, staff, and students to ensure that we continue to provide excellent education and support for all."
As a stay-at-home-mom, Lisa Burley acclaimed as vice chair, said she has the time to do the job.
"I'm just excited and humbled to be able to do this job and support our school division."
Elected to the board in 2022, she shared where her heart and passions lie.
"I definitely think of mental health, and I also think of kids who are less fortunate or maybe have learning disabilities or are less included. My heart always goes out to those kids."
In a press release, Burley had this to say.
“What an honour it is to represent the students, staff and community of Western School Division. I am grateful for the confidence and support of the board of trustees in my new role as Vice-chair. I am committed to supporting decisions and ideas that foster a healthy and thriving environment where we can all learn and grow in mind, body and character. This community is truly special. There is safety, peace and many people that care. We are privileged to be part of such a community, and it is essential that we act responsibly and never take this for granted.”
Each trustee will serve on committees throughout the year. Here are the committee appointments for 2024-25.
Liaison
Lisa Burley
Nicole Levesque
Negotiations
Susana Hawryshko
Brian Fransen/Darcy Wolfe
RRTVA
Susana Hawryshko
Brian Fransen
Governance
Lisa Burley
Darcy Wolfe
Communications
Nicole Levesque
Darcy Wolfe