A familiar face will lead the Delta school board of trustees for the next year.
At Tuesday’s inaugural board meeting in Ladner, trustee Val Windsor was elected board chair, for the period of Nov. 8, 2022 to Nov. 6, 2023.
Windsor, who has served on the board since 2011, held the position of vice-chair from 2013 to 2018. She was elected chairperson for the first time in 2019.
Incumbent trustee Erica Beard, who was also re-elected in October, was named vice-chair.
Following a traditional welcome and opening from Indigenous Cultural Enhancement Facilitator Nathan Wilson, Judge J.G. Cohen read the school district trustee’s code of conduct and administered the oath of office to Windsor, Beard, re-elected trustee Nick Kanakos and new trustees Nimmi Daula, Ammen Dhillon, Masako Gooch and Joe Muego.
In her inaugural address as board chair, Windsor thanked all District staff for “making this district what it is – caring, supportive and a wonderful district in which to learn.”
She also paid special thanks to all school support staff, including custodians.
“If you are in the education system, you know the most important people are your office staff and custodians and the rest of them, we are just eye candy – they all make the place run and we are so grateful for all they do,” said Windsor. “This inaugural meeting signals a new beginning for the school district. With four new trustees with diverse interests and talents, I’m so looking forward to an exciting and productive term over the next four years.”
Windsor spoke about Vision 2030, which signifies the hopes and dreams of the Delta school district.
Some of the goals of Vision 2030 include: graduation for all, powerful and inspiring learning environments, strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, creating enhanced learning opportunities, the promotion of health and well-being, increasing family and student physical health, mental health and wellness, promoting diversity and anti-racism and ensuring Indigenous content is part of the learning journey for all students.
“I’m excited to work with the city on projects of mutual interest,” she said. “In working together with mayor and council, school trustees will ensure that funds intended for the classroom are actually used for that purpose. We are all here for the same purpose – to serve the residents of Delta and to ensure that our schools and our city continue to deliver the same high level of service to our constituents. Once this evening is over, the real work begins. Working together we can make Delta schools even better.”
