On Nov. 3, there will be a new chairperson for the School District 57 (SD57) Board of Education.
Tim Bennett has announced he's not looking to be re-elected, but will remain as a trustee with Prince George's school district.
"At the start of the school year I let my colleagues know that I would not be serving another term as Chair (as Chair is elected annually) and that now was the right time for me to step back and serve the district just as a trustee. You aren’t getting rid of me – just may see me a little less on the news," Bennett announced in a social media post.
He's served as SD57 Board Chair the past four years and was elected as vice-chair the four years before that.
"Over that 8 years I have seen my world change significantly. Became Executive Director of BBBS and have doubled our capacity as an organization, became a Board Member with the BC School Trustee Association and more importantly, became a father to three amazing boys. Stepping back will allow me to focus my time a bit more on all those responsibilities but also spend a bit more time focusing on me."
Bennett says he's also looking forward to re-engaging his voice, explaining that in the position of board chair, his voice often got lost as he was speaking for the board as a whole.
"The Chair’s job is to facilitate discussion and ensure the meeting is following the rules of order.
"I look forward to the opportunity to engage in debate in a larger way and making sure I am better using the voice that I was elected to use.
"I want to thank my colleagues on the Board of Education, our incredible staff, our Rights holders and stakeholders for all they do and will continue to do to support SD57."
Bennett is also the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC (BIGSNBC) and became a board member of the BC School Trustee Association (BCSTA).
A new board chair and vice-chair will be voted by current trustees during its next public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Trent Derrick currently serves as vice-chair of the SD57 Board of Education.
