Vernon School District trustees have once again placed their faith in Kelly Smith, electing her board chairperson for the 2015/16 school year.
The first public board meeting of the school year Wednesday was led by new secretary-treasurer Sterling Olson, who called for nominees for the position of chairperson and vice-chairperson.
In December, Smith first took the reins as chairperson by acclamation. But for the first time in a number of years, trustees were required to vote.
Trustee Mitzi Fortin nominated Smith for chairperson, while Robert Lee was nominated by Lisa de Boer.
For vice-chairperson, John Armstrong nominated Fortin, while Lee nominated de Boer. Trustees elected Fortin to the position. Trustee Mollie Bono was absent from the meeting.
“I know that it’s a big responsibility and I appreciate that there was an election, which is a very healthy thing,” said Smith. “Congratulations to all.”
Smith’s first order of business was to introduce new district staff, including Olson, recently arrived from Salmon Arm, where he was secretary-treasurer for the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District.
As well, Gerry William was introduced as new director of aboriginal education, while Truman Spring is director of student support services.
Along with district staff, trustees all wore orange shirts for National Orange Shirt Day, to honour the children who survived the Indian Residential School system and to remember those who never made it home.
