Staff
Those planning to apply for the vacant trustee seat on the Rainy River District School Board have until 3 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 27) to get their applications packages in.
No applications had been received as of noon yesterday, board chair Dan Belluz noted, although there have been a few inquiries.
“Whether or not they result in some applications coming in or not, I don’t know for sure,” Belluz added, noting the board hasn’t really yet looked into what it will do if no applications are received by tomorrow’s deadline.
“One option would be to extend the period for the nominations or letters of interest, or something like that, and go from there,” he remarked.
The opening came after Donna Dittaro submitted her letter of resignation at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting.
Under the Education Act of Ontario, the board must fill this vacancy within 60 days.
The trustee role is for a person who is “definitely interested” in the educational success of students in the district, Belluz stressed.
“That should be their primary goal for being a trustee, having a true understanding and compassion for these students in the district and make sure they receive the best education that we can give them,” he explained.
Belluz noted trustee duties include attending board meetings and taking part in committee meetings, such as finance, policy, special education, or aboriginal education.
“The time commitment varies throughout the year,” Belluz added, noting it can be busy when school starts up in the fall and then again towards April and May when the board is doing its budget.
The term for this trustee position, which represents the Town of Fort Frances and unorganized areas east of town, will run from Dec. 2, 2008-Nov. 30, 2010.
Following Dittaro’s resignation, a motion was passed to fill the position through an appointment by the board, in accordance with the Education Act, as opposed to holding an election.
A special open board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1 beginning at 6:30 p.m., where interviews will occur with qualified candidates who applied.
Then at the board’s regular monthly meeting the following night, the chosen candidate will be sworn in.
More details about applying, including application forms, are available at the board office and online at www.rrdsb.com
