With the October municipal election behind us, the 2018-2022 Trustee term of office is now drawing to a close, and we are saying good-bye to a number of our trustee colleagues.
It is my honour to recognize Trustees Sherman, Cui, Terrell, Cordova, McRoberts, Nathan and Trustee Gilbert for the many contributions that they have made to public education in York Region.
Cynthia Cordova
Trustee Cordova was first elected in a by-election in 2017 to represent the students and families of Georgina. Since that time, she has served in many capacities while on the Board of Trustees, including as Chair and Vice-Chair.
Trustee Cordova has also made many contributions to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association through her role on the board of directors. Trustee Cordova represented the Board on the Outdoor Education Task Force with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
In addition to her trustee work, Trustee Cordova is extremely active in the Georgina community. Her work with and outside of the Board, has made her an excellent representative of the Georgina community.
Trustee Cordova has consistently advocated for decision-making and programs that promote student achievement and well-being. She has always put the needs of students and families first.
The Board thanks Trustee Cordova for her passion and commitment to serving the needs of her community. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Simon Cui
Trustee Cui was the first YRDSB trustee to be elected by online voters. In 2020, a by-election was called to replace the outgoing trustee of Richmond Hill, Wards 1, 2 and 4. Taking place in the first year of COVID during COVID lockdown measures, the by-election required candidates to campaign almost entirely virtually.
Trustee Cui was the successful candidate in the by-election. Since that time, he has made many contributions to YRDSB including participation on various Board Committees and as an alternate Board of Directors’ member for the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.
The Board thanks Trustee Cui for stepping forward to represent Richmond Hill, Wards 1, 2 and 4 at a challenging time and completing the term. Congratulations to Simon as he begins his new role representing Ward 4 Richmond Hill as a Councillor.
Linda Gilbert
Trustee Gilbert was elected to represent Newmarket in 2018. She has worked tirelessly to support public education and student achievement.
Before becoming a trustee, Trustee Gilbert served on the YRDSB Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC). She also served for many years on YRDSB School Councils as a parent.
Trustee Gilbert has made many more contributions to education in York Region through several Board committees that she has served on, including the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee, Joint Board Consortium, Policy and By-Law Committee, Celebrating Student Success and the Student Well-Being Steering Committee.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Trustee Gilbert for her work and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Bob McRoberts
It is my pleasure to recognize Trustee Bob McRoberts for his service as trustee for Aurora and King. Trustee McRoberts has demonstrated a life-long commitment to public education in York Region. Before serving as trustee, he was a mathematics teacher for over 30 years in YRDSB schools, served on the Town of Aurora’s council as Deputy Mayor, and continues to participate in several community organizations.
Trustee McRoberts’ experience in public service, and in YRDSB schools, has informed many of his decisions and contributions to the Board. He participated in many Board Committees including being Committee Chair for the Policy and By-Law Standing Committee. His experience and insights will be truly missed.
The Board thanks Trustee McRoberts for his student-focused decision-making, and his commitment to student success and well-being.
Juanita Nathan
Trustee Juanita Nathan was elected for three terms, her first in 2010, to serve Markham Wards 7 and 8. She previously served as Vice-Chair of the Board in 2018 and 2019 and Chair of the Board in 2020.
Throughout her time as a Trustee, she has continually advocated for applying the equity lens in programs and services within our schools. Trustee Nathan has tirelessly worked to increase engagement between schools and communities, ensuring that parents always have a voice at the table.
Trustee Nathan has served on many Board Committees which include being Co-Chair of the Joint Board Consortium and serving a four-year-term on the Markham Mayor’s Youth Council.
Thank you, Trustee Nathan, for your efforts, hard work and dedication over the past twelve years. Congratulations to Juanita as she begins her new role as Markham Ward 7 Councillor.
David Sherman
Trustee David Sherman was elected to represent Markham Ward 1, Vaughan Ward 5 in 2018.
Trustee Sherman has served on many committees throughout his term, including a four-year-term on the Audit Committee. Some of Trustee Sherman’s most recent Committee participation include the Learning, Equity and Well-Being Standing Committee, and as Finance and Property Standing Committee Chair. Trustee Sherman also served as an alternate Board of Directors’ representative for the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.
With a professional background in accounting and financial services, he was able to bring his expertise to the role of Budget Chair for 2018-19,2019-20 and 2020-21.
The Board of Trustees thanks Trustee Sherman for his dedication and all of his work over the last four years and wishes him all of the best for his future endeavors.
Elizabeth Terrell
Trustee Terrell was elected in 2018 to represent East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville. She brought a lot of enthusiasm to her role as Trustee. Her focus on well-being has been evident throughout her term.
Trustee Terrell has participated on several committees, some of the more recent being, the Audit Committee alternate member, Learning, Equity and Well-Being Standing Committee, Joint Board Consortium and Governance and Board Organization Committee. She has also participated on the Eco Team, Student Success Steering Committee and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee.
The Board of Trustee would like to thank Trustee Terrell for her time and her efforts over the past four years and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Allan Tam
Chair
Allan Tam
As our current chair is leaving, it is my great honour, as vice-chair, to recognize Allan Tam. Chair Tam was elected for three terms, his first in 2010, to serve Markham Wards 4 and 5. He was elected as Vice-Chair of the Board for 2020-21 and Chair of the Board for the 2021-2022 year.
Chair Tam has served on the Audit Committee, Director of Education Performance Review Committee, Finance and Property Standing Committee, Governance and Board Organization Committee, Joint Board Consortium and Learning, Equity and Well-Being Standing Committee. He has also chaired the Budget Committee and Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee, and was Vice-Chair of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee. He served a four-year-term on the Mayor’s Markham Task Force for the Town of Markham and also participated as an alternate Board of Directors’ member for the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’d like to thank Chair Tam for his hard work, efforts and contributions to public education, and to the York Region District School Board.
Ron Lynn
Vice-Chair