Dear families,
Trustee Crystal Yu has provided notice of her intention to resign her position as Trustee for Richmond Hill Wards 1, 2 and 4, effective March 31, 2024. We respect Trustee Yu’s decision to focus on her family and their health.
First elected in 2022, Trustee Yu has served the community of Richmond Hill and all of York Region with care and dedication and developed a very tight connection with her community before and during her time as a Trustee. Currently, in addition to her role as a Board member, Trustee Yu serves on the Audit Committee, Director’s Performance Review Committee, Finance and Property Standing Committee, Joint Board Consortium, and was the Board representative on the Heritage Richmond Hill committee.
Students and families from across York Region have benefitted from her contributions to public education. We will miss her voice at the Board table and in the various committees.
At the April 2, 2024, board meeting, the Board of Trustees will formally receive Trustee Yu’s resignation. While I appreciate some may have questions about how the Board will choose to fill the vacancy in Richmond Hill Wards 1, 2 and 4, this decision may not be made on April 2, 2024. The Board will consider options available through the vacancy replacement process, which is prescribed in the Education Act as follows:
When a vacancy occurs mid-term, the Education Act (Appendix B) provides two alternatives to the Board for filling the vacancy;
a) the remaining elected members shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy within 90 days after the office becomes vacant, if a majority of the elected members remain in office; or
b) a by-election shall be held to fill the vacancy, in the same manner as an election of the board, if a majority of the elected members do not remain in office.
We can assure families and community members that we will be transparent in this process and make decisions in their best interests moving forward.
As always, if families have questions about their children’s education, they can contact their child’s teacher, principal, or superintendent.
Thank you for your understanding as we work through this process. I wish you and your families continued health and well-being.
Sincerely,
Ron Lynn
Chair