December 2, 2010: At the Inaugural Meeting of the Halton District School Board, held on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, the 11 trustees forming the new Board were sworn in by Mr. Justice Peter Lauwers.  Following the oath of office and allegiance, trustees named their candidates for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming year.

Don Vrooman, (Oakville Wards 1&2) was nominated for the position of Chair by trustee Amy Collard (Burlington, Ward 5), with the nomination seconded by Jennifer Hlusko (Burlington, Ward 6).  Donna Danielli (Milton, Wards 2, 3, 4 & 5) was nominated for the position of Chair by Gillian Tuck Kutarna (Halton Hills), and the nomination was seconded by Nancy MacNeill (Milton, Wards 1, 6, 7 & 8).

Both the nominators and candidates spoke to the respective bid for Chair before ballots were cast.  Following the casting of ballots, Don Vrooman was declared Chair of the Halton District School Board for 2011.

Kelly Amos, (Oakville Wards 5 & 6) was nominated for the position of Vice-Chair by trustee Dianna Bower (Burlington, Wards 1 & 3), with the nomination seconded by Ann Harvey Hope (Oakville, Ward 3).  Amy Collard (Burlington, Ward 5) was nominated by Kristen Lochhead (Burlington, Wards 2 & 4), with the nomination seconded by Jennifer Hlusko (Burlington, Ward 6).

Again, both the nominator and candidate spoke to their respective strengths in seeking the position. Following the casting of ballots, Kelly Amos was declared Vice-Chair for the 2011 term.

In his inaugural address, Don Vrooman spoke to the leadership role of Chair, and the importance of working collaboratively in the best interests of students. He commented on the importance of student achievement and success, and the role the Board plays in preparing the 21st century learner.

Trustees discussed the need for a second meeting in December., slating the next meeting date as Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at 7 p.m.

The regular schedule of Board meetings will resume in January, with the entire upcoming meeting schedule for the Halton District School Board posted on the Board’s website at www.hdsb.ca.


For additional information, contact:
     Don Vrooman, Chair
     Halton District School Board 
     (905) 335-3663; Toll free: 1 877 618-3456