SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 022 (VERNON)
Mark Olsen elected Board Chair of SD 22

Following a vote at the School District 22 Board meeting on November 8, 2023, Mark Olsen has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Education, succeeding Gen Acton, who did not run for re- election and has stepped down after three years of dedicated leadership.

Kelli Sullivan was acclaimed the Vice-Chair at the Board meeting, succeeding Tom Williamson who also did not run for re-election.

Olsen is a long-standing member of the School District 22 community. He joined the School District as a custodian in 1988 and worked in roles in finance, transportation, and maintenance until his retirement in 2018. During that time, he served for fifteen years as President of the School District's support staff union CUPE local 5523.

Olsen was first elected Trustee in 2018 and is in his second term. After being elected Chair, Olsen expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Board. "I am honoured to take on this role and am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members, staff, families, and the community to ensure the continued success of our schools," said Olsen.

Outgoing Chair Gen Acton shared her thoughts on the transition. "It has been a privilege to lead the Board for the past three years. I have full confidence in Chair Olsen's ability to guide the district to new heights, and I look forward to supporting him in his new role."

Kelli Sullivan, the newly elected Vice-Chair, was first elected as a Trustee in 2022. Sullivan is currently the Community Programs Manager for Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and holds a Master's Degree in Family Studies. "I am excited to work alongside Mark Olsen and the rest of the Board to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our school district," Sullivan remarked.

Outgoing Vice Chair Tom Williamson was first elected Trustee in 2018 and now completes three years supporting the School District as Vice-Chair. "I am pleased to welcome in a new generation of Board leadership and look forward to continuing my advocacy for students and careers education as a Trustee." said Williamson. Williamson was acclaimed as the Board's representative for the BC School Trustees Association.

The transition from Gen Acton to Mark Olsen marks a new chapter for School District 22, and the Board is optimistic about the future under Olsen's leadership.