News Release
4/12/2017
Aurora, ON. – As we begin to implement the directions from the Minister, I want to share a few words with you.
I know many of you may be thinking, "I don't want more words. I want to see action." I agree, but I also believe that words are part of what brought us to this moment.
So let me offer these words, which I say to you from my heart - as a Mom, as Board Chair, as a person - I am truly sorry that so many of you - families, staff members, community partners and, in particular, our students - were hurt so deeply. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I apologize.
As the elected chair of the Board, I take responsibility for what happened, and for what will happen next.
Last night, trustees met to discuss the report and directions from the Minister. I can say that all of the trustees - every one of us - are on the same page. We are united, working together on a clear path, and will begin taking action immediately.
It won't be action behind closed doors. There have been too many closed doors. At my first Board meeting as chair, I paraphrased Justice Louis Brandeis who said “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” We now have that light shining on us.
We are committed to moving forward in an open and transparent manner to restore public confidence in our Board and ensure we are providing our students with a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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