New leadership at CSBA

As of July 1st, in accordance with the CSBA Constitution and by-laws, there has been a change in leadership and the composition of the Board of Directors for the Canadian School Boards Association:

Ruth Ann Furgala (Manitoba) was elected President at the CSBA Spring elections. Having served three consecutive years on the CSBA Board of Directors, she has held the position of Vice-President of the CSBA for the past two years. Ruth Ann is a trustee in the Evergreen School Division in Manitoba and has been a member of the Manitoba School Boards Association for eight years (then known as the Manitoba Association of School Trustees). Ruth Ann is a strong advocate for building partnerships with parents, schools, community and government agencies to create a supportive life-long learning environment.

Our collaborative work and initiatives with key partners and stakeholders will ensure that all Canadians benefit from the strength and diversity of the Canadian education system.  Nothing is more important than a united voice supporting public education.

Catherine Fife (Ontario) was elected Vice-President at the CSBA Spring elections. Currently the President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role. As President of OPSBA since June 2010, a trustee for the Waterloo Region District School Board and Vice-President of OPSBA for three consecutive years, she has advocated and lobbied extensively for students, boards and communities on fundamental and critical educational issues. These include focusing on the whole child, fair and equitable funding for First Nations communities, the Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health, and building community educational supports through strategic partnerships.

We have what it takes to be the strongest advocates for fair and equitable resources that will improve the academic outcomes of all students in our system. I believe our greatest strength is our collective voice, speaking with integrity and courage on behalf of Canada’s children.

The 2011-2012 CSBA Board of Directors can be accessed here.