Stratford school board trustee resigns; Runner-up in 2022 election appointed new trustee

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bruce Whitaker has resigned from the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), leaving the seat after being elected to represent Stratford in the 2022 municipal elections.

Whitaker told the Times he has resigned to focus on Grad Adventures, a new scholarship program he and his family started independent from the school board to give area youth travel opportunities post-graduation, among other youth opportunities.

“Thank you to the AMDSB, parents, students, teachers, and staff for your ongoing support over the last three years,” Whitaker said in an emailed statement. “I'm excited to be turning my efforts to various youth initiatives, including Stratford's All Wheels Park and Grad Adventures. The Grad Adventures program is designed to provide graduating Grade 12 students with meaningful global awareness through volunteering.”

On Oct. 31, a day after Whitaker announced his departure, the AMDSB announced that Deepika Mishra will take over the seat.

Michael Bannerman, chair of the board of trustees, called a special board meeting to accept Whitaker’s resignation and decide on a path forward. Trustees passed a motion to revisit the 2022 municipal election results so that the voice of the community could be reflected in their decision.

“There were four candidates in the 2022 election in the Stratford area, two were elected into the Stratford positions,” Bannerman said. “Deepika was a very close third in the trustee race so we believe that this appointment reflects the voice of voters in Stratford. This appointment also follows the process as outlined in the Education Act.”

Mishra will be sworn in at the next board meeting, scheduled for Nov. 25.