Catherine Fife Acclaimed as President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association

TORONTO, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that Catherine Fife was acclaimed as President of OPSBA at the Annual General Meeting held on June 9, 2012.

"This has been a year for intensifying our actions on OPSBA's key priorities and keeping a focus on maintaining Ontario's investments in public education," said OPSBA President Catherine Fife. "The very troubling outlook for the province's economy has implications that reach into many aspects of the work we value. We have, however, been extremely successful in our initiatives and this is due, in no small measure, to the conviction we bring to our roles as education leaders."

Catherine, a trustee and Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, will continue to be supported in her position as President of OPSBA by Lori Lukinuk from Lakehead District School Board, who was elected 1st Vice-President and 2nd Vice-President Michael Barrett from Durham District School Board. OPSBA's President and Vice-Presidents offer a depth of expertise and commitment that will serve the Association well in its work in the year ahead.

In addition to the President, two Vice-Presidents and the Past President, OPSBA's Executive Council includes: Louise Clodd, Vice-President, Central East Region, (Trillium Lakelands District School Board); Peggy Sattler, Vice-President, Western Region, (Thames Valley District School Board); Graham Lidstone, Vice-President, Northern Region, (Algoma District School Board); Mark Bailey, Vice-President, Central West Region, (Upper Grand District School Board); David Shields, Vice-President, Eastern Region, (Renfrew County District School Board); and Howard Goodman, Vice-President (Enrolment), (Toronto District School Board).

OPSBA is also pleased to announce that Peter Garrow, trustee with Upper Canada District School Board, was acclaimed as First Nations Director.

"For 2012 -2013, it is a great honor to continue as a Director at the OPSBA Board of Directors representing First Nation Trustees, working in true partnerships with all Public School Trustees and their respective Boards to raise the level of understanding of the importance of our First Nations history, traditions, languages and culture not only for First Nation students but for all students in Ontario. This is extremely important as communities celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, yet very few Ontarians know the strategic role our First Nation people, as allies, contributed to protect their way of life, their territory and their communities and their future generations as demonstrated by Treaties and alliances," said Peter Garrow.

As past Director of Education for the Assembly of First Nations, Peter brings a depth of experience, commitment and knowledge that continues to strengthen public education for First Nation students and bring benefits for all students.

Jennifer McIntyre
OPSBA Communications
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