The Grand Erie Board of Trustees elected Susan Gibson as the Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board during the annual Board Nomination and Organization meeting held on Monday, December 9. Tom Waldschmidt was elected as Vice-Chair of the Board.
Gibson represents the City of Brantford, and this is her fourth one-year term as Chair of the Board.
"I'm deeply honoured to serve as Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board for another term," says Susan Gibson. "I'm committed to working alongside my fellow trustees, staff, and our communities to ensure every student in Grand Erie has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and innovative learning environment. Together, we will continue to prioritize learning, well-being, and belonging."
Gibson was first elected to the Board in 2018. She has a more than two-decade career as a healthcare leader, advocating for patients and their families. She has transferred that passion for helping others to her role as a Trustee in public education, collaborating and problem-solving to support student success.
Tom Waldschmidt, representing Norfolk County (Wards 3 and 7) and Brant County, begins his first term as Vice-Chair. Elected as Trustee in 2013, his journey with Grand Erie began on the school council at Paris Central Elementary School in 2005. He then joined the Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee, and elected Chair in 2009. Waldschmidt has also served as Chair of the Audit Committee and the Special Education Advisory Committee.
"As a Board, we've achieved much progress towards our strategic goals and priorities, and I'm excited to build on that momentum together," says Waldschmidt. "As Vice-Chair, my focus will continue to foster learning, well-being, and belonging remains steadfast as we continue to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive."
Director of Education JoAnna Roberto also previewed some of the significant achievements of the 2023-24 school year, which are highlighted in the Director's Annual Report.
"Every day in Grand Erie, when students walk through our doors, they aren't just entering a building, but a place of inspiration where they will learn, lead and inspire. It's our responsibility to make that happen," said Roberto. "This school year, we continue to be guided by the board's strategic plan with student success at the centre of everything we do."
