The following was shared by Board Chair George Tsiakos at the February 23, 2021 Public Board Meeting.
Announcement
I would like to start tonight's Board of Education meeting with news as it relates specifically to the North Vancouver Board of Education and one of our trustees.
It is with regret that I must inform the Board of Education and School District staff that yesterday, February 22, 2021, Secretary Treasurer Jacqui Stewart advised me that she received a letter of resignation from Trustee and Vice Chair Devon Bruce.
Trustee Bruce was elected by District of North Vancouver electors in fall 2018 and on December 1, 2020, was acclaimed as Vice Chair. During his time serving on the Board, Trustee Bruce worked collaboratively with fellow trustees to make policy decisions that govern all aspects of education with the North Vancouver School District. Like his fellow trustees, Trustee Bruce worked tirelessly to support the School District's overarching vision and district priorities in the pursuit of the highest level of service we can provide to students and our community.
Trustee Bruce would like our community to know that he has enjoyed his time on the Board of Education tremendously. However, due to a growing portfolio of professional responsibilities in his work with North Shore ConneXions Society, he feels he cannot continue on with his role and responsibilities with the Board of Education at this time. I respect the decision, and I know fellow trustees, district staff, and our school community will join me in thanking Trustee Bruce for his service and wish him well.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the purpose of the Board of Education and role of the school trustee. The Board's purpose with respect to the BC public education system is to enable all learners within the School District to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society and a prosperous and sustainable economy.
As a member of the Board of Education, school trustees are accountable to the public for the collective decisions of the Board, and for the delivery and quality of educational programs and services. It is a responsibility that we do not take lightly and does require a commitment of time, over and above our personal and professional responsibilities.
Due to the resignation of an elected school trustee, a by-election will be required to fill this vacancy for the remainder of the four-year term ending in the fall of 2022. The North Vancouver School District will be informing the District of North Vancouver, who will run the municipal election process, of the resignation.
