Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
London Trustee Beth Mai and Oxford County Trustee Dave Cripps have both been re-elected as chair and vice-chair, respectively, at the embattled Thames Valley District School Board.
Both elections took place during a special meeting of the board on Tuesday evening as the province continues to keep a close eye on the spending habits of school boards across Ontario.
"I am honoured to serve the board for a second year as chair alongside vice-chair Cripps, with whom I share the leadership role. Looking ahead, I see our shared vision for the next year as one that builds on the current foundation,” said Mai in a board press release issued Wednesday morning.
“As we move forward, I see us advancing our core mission of supporting students in the best way possible and addressing emerging challenges and opportunities with the same determination and leadership we’ve shown so far. And more than anything, I see us standing together as a board, united in our shared commitment, with integrity and purpose,” it added.
Mai is serving her first term as a Trustee for London Wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13. She is a resident of London and has been actively involved with the school board for more than 23 years as an employee and volunteer. She was first elected to the position of chair in 2023. Before that, she served as vice-chair.
Before the vote for chair was held, Mai gave about a four-minute speech and thanked her fellow trustees for having faith in her.
“It is deep in my belief in the capacity of this board to create meaningful change. I appreciate the trust and the opportunity to continue building on our progress together. I’d also like to recognize the valuable partnership I have had with vice-chair Cripps.”
She said they have worked together to ensure the board remains transparent, effective, and responsive to the needs of schools and the community.
“His contributions have been invaluable in fostering teamwork and supporting the board’s progress. I am deeply grateful for his leadership.”
Mai didn’t touch on the controversy surrounding the recent board retreat to a downtown Toronto hotel that cost taxpayers nearly $40,000. The fallout included Mark Fisher, the board's director of education, taking a paid leave of absence. Retired director of education Bill Tucker was named as an interim replacement.
Mai did say her goal of improved communication will carry on.
“We have worked to make sure everyone is informed, that everyone has a voice and is heard, and that we are accessible. The past few months have presented unique and complex challenges but they have also been opportunities to strengthen our leadership and resilience.”
Mai added she is proud of how the board has risen to meet the challenges before them with focus and determination.
“I am confident we can continue to do so,” she added.
Cripps is also serving his first term as a trustee for Oxford County. He is a resident of Ingersoll where he works as a project and change management specialist and entrepreneur. Cripps has over 15 years of experience serving on elementary and secondary school councils as well as local home and school associations.
Cripps, who accepted a nomination to run for chair but was defeated by a single vote, conveyed his concerns regarding the affairs of the board before the election was held.
“If this was regular times for our organization, I would share with all of you some of my qualifications. I would share I was looking forward to executing our strategic plan and I would share I am excited to support student achievement and well-being.”
He added these are not regular times for the board.
“I will ask all of you as you vote, think about coming together. Think about the focus that we’ll have to have moving through the next year which will be difficult and most importantly, think about leading with empathy for all the folks we are going to impact with our decision over the next short period of time.”
Among those decisions is a continuing lack of funds to run the board.
The Thames Valley District school board is facing a $6.4-million budget shortfall on top of its $7.6-million deficit. About 600 fewer students enrolled at schools in September than what was projected. The board slashed the 2024-25 budget by $11 million in June through cuts that included 58 elementary and 24 high school teaching positions. 17 early childhood educator jobs and four positions in speech and psychological services were also removed.
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