Jay Aspin returns to lead the Near North District School Board through challenging times, with a renewed focus on transparency and accountability. Aspin, the new chair, and Bill Steer, the vice chair, were elected during a trustee vote, taking over from Ashley St. Pierre and Howard Wesley. With a wealth of experience, Aspin has served on the board four times and as a school board trustee for 21 years, while Steer is a lifelong educator entering his second term. The board aims to regain public trust and confidence by embracing the Minister's binding directions and ensuring student success and well-being. Aspin emphasizes the importance of transparency, stating, 'Let us embrace transparency, so that all of our communities see not only what we decide, but how we decide.' The election process is conducted annually, with nominations accepted at the meeting and a secret ballot cast. The winner is announced after a thorough vote count by two scrutineers. Despite not being re-elected as chair, St. Pierre expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and Aspin vowed to lead the board with determination and a commitment to renewal.
