Tonight’s meeting marks the end of the final chapter of the mandate of this Council of Commissioners. Time has passed quickly on one hand, and on the other hand, when I think back over the last few years, and all that has happened within our term in office, our “journey”, I realize that we have covered a lot of ground.

I am proud of the work this Council has accomplished. We can all look back and reflect on questions asked and answered, initiatives taken, forward thinking acted upon, our committee work, the decisions we have made – our focus on what matters at the LBPSB – the very best for our students. We have navigated a turbulent political landscape that directly affects our work as a council of commissioners. We have been troubled and deeply moved by tragedy and other sad events. We have been excited by new opportunities and new directions for our community.

This Council has also worked respectfully and collaboratively with extremely hard working administrators to ensure we all stay on track and be the best we can be at the LBPSB. We have agreed, we have agreed to disagree, we have agreed not to disagree; we have worked together with civility. We have learned from each other. We have worked to find consensus in addressing issues and concerns.

I would like to thank the administration at our Council table tonight – Dr. Cindy Finn, Stéphanie Stever, Veronique Marin, Genevieve Dugré,  Francois Hamel, retired ADGs, Carol Heffernan, Tom Rhymes, Steven Colpitts, and as well, all directors and managers who have accompanied us, with a lot of patience, in our committee and policy work throughout the hours and hours of discussions and presentations, in the evenings, at the end of long days. I would also like to thank and express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the support we have received from Gina Clemenza, Andréanne Bertrand,  – the list goes on. Thank you, everyone!

When I started my tenure as the new Chair of the LBPSB and with our Council finally in place after much uncertainty regarding elections for English school boards due to Covid and government legislation, I wrote the following in my first report. I believe it still stands and that we have fulfilled our mission, although we have so much more work yet to do:

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I am hopeful that our community will be assured that this council will work together, and will work with our dedicated administration, and will work with our community – with respect and civility. That we will be strong stewards of this Board. That we will champion excellence in education. That we will strive to ensure a safe learning environment for students, while embracing equity, diversity and inclusion. That we will listen to students and parents to help to make a difference. That we will honour our principals, centre directors, teachers, support staff, professionals and all educators who give, every day to help every student reach their potential and to receive an excellent education at the LBPSB.

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In closing, I wish my colleagues well and extend my gratitude for the work you have done on this council and may well continue to do in November. This is hard work, but hard is hard. It is rewarding work. Your commitment to this school board and this council is greatly appreciated. As much as I would like to turn the spotlight on you all and say a few words about each of you, I hope you don’t mind my shining that light on one particular colleague who is “officially retiring” from his work as Commissioner.

Eric Bender, has served since the Provisional Council in 1997, through to November 2007. Then, Eric returned in November 2014 and has stayed until now, September 2024. Eric also served as a commissioner with the Lakeshore School Board, prior to the establishment of linguistic boards. This is an impressive length of time, Eric. It is time that has been spent with the greatest of integrity, commitment, wisdom, knowledge (institutional knowledge), respect, civility, kindness, and a vast array of contribution to committees as member and chair. As Chair of the Executive Committee for several years now, you have provided the necessary and vital stewardship of the LBPSB in financial and other matters. As commissioner representing a few different districts over time, you have been a dedicated elected official, attending multitudes of governing board meetings, delivering reports, attending events all while showing deep respect, commitment and care for the constituents you have served. Eric Bender, if we all had glasses to raise, I would ask that we toast you and celebrate your work as Commissioner for the LBPSB. You have lead by example. We have learned so much from you. To Eric!

Last, may we be caring and kind, look out for each other and be the best we can be.