NEAR NORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
New Chair and Vice-chair elected at NNDSB's annual organizational meeting

The annual organizational meeting of the Board of Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) saw a change in leadership at the Board.

Zone 1 Trustee Jay Aspin, who returned to the Board in September following a trustee resignation, was elected as Chair. He was nominated by Trustee John Arkwright, who noted Chair Aspin's long record of public service, including two decades with the school board.

Near North District School Board Chair Jay Aspin and Vice-chair Bill Steer were elected to their positions at last night's Board meeting. They will hold these positions until November 2026.

In his address, Chair Aspin thanked out-going Chair Ashley St. Pierre for her work over the past 18 months. He said he is "humbled" by having the responsibility of being Chair of NNDSB, and acknowledged the challenges ahead are "unlike we have ever faced before."

He referenced the 15 binding directions placed on NNDSB by the Ministry of Education, adding, "they're not suggestions. They are directions - firm and necessary. A call to action to regain public trust and confidence."

Aspin stated that he would not shy away from the responsibility, and "will lead with clarity, courage and collaboration," treating the directions not as a burden, but as an opportunity. Working as a strong team, Aspin said the Board's vision must be bold and needs to ensure every decision reflects the best interests of students, stabilizes and restores confidence in governance and leadership, strengthens accountability to the public, embraces transparency and promotes unity among trustees, staff and families, "because divided boards cannot deliver strong schools".

Zone 1 Trustee Bill Steer was elected to the role of Vice-Chair. He was nominated by Trustee Krista Messenger, who noted Steer's deep ties to public education and his breadth of experience. Messenger noted that Steer has contributed to NNDSB and Ontario public education steadily, working on parent engagement, the board's Multi-Year Strategic Plan, contributing as an active Director with the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) and personally mentoring new trustees.

The new Chair and Vice-chair will serve for the fourth and final year of the Board's four-year term. The 2022-2026 Board of Trustees is composed of these trustees.