Michael Barrett Acclaimed as President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association

TORONTO, June 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that Michael Barrett was acclaimed as President of OPSBA at its Annual General Meeting held on June 8, 2013.

"As members of school boards, trustees hold the only democratically elected office in Ontario that is specifically entrusted with the well-being and success of students," said Barrett. "We will continue to put our students' interests first and that includes having a fair, legislated collective bargaining process. School boards must continue to have an effective voice in setting conditions that allow students to have access to the best qualified teachers and to positive, stimulating learning environments."

Barrett, a trustee with the Durham District School Board, will be supported in his position as President of OPSBA by Mark Bailey, Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board, who was elected 1st Vice-President. Laurie French of the Limestone District School Board will take on the role of 2nd Vice-President. OPSBA's President and Vice-Presidents offer a depth of expertise and commitment that will provide strong leadership for the Association in the year ahead.

OPSBA's Executive Council also includes: Louise Clodd, Vice-President, Central East Region, (Trillium Lakelands District School Board); Carmen McGregor, Vice-President, Western Region, (Lambton Kent District School Board); Graham Lidstone, Vice-President, Northern Region, (Algoma District School Board); Donna Danielli, Vice-President, Central West Region, (Halton 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 very pleased to announce that Peter Garrow, trustee with Upper Canada District School Board, was acclaimed as First Nations Director. 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.

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association represents public district school boards and public school authorities across Ontario, which together serve more than 1.3 million public elementary and secondary students.  The Association advocates on behalf of the best interests and needs of the public school system in Ontario. OPSBA is seen as the credible voice of public education in Ontario and is routinely called on by the provincial government for input and advice on legislation and the impact of government policy directions.

Image with caption: "Michael Barrett acclaimed as President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (CNW Group/Ontario Public School Boards' Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130610_C6865_PHOTO_EN_27822.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Public School Boards' Association

Jeff Sprang 
OPSBA Communications 
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