Bluewater District School Board (Photo provided by Bluewater District School Board)
The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is planning to appoint next trustee for Southgate/Grey Highlands after declaring the seat vacant.
Communications Officer Jamie Pettit says the board approved making the appointment to fill the seat for Southgate/Grey Highlands for the remainder of the term during its meeting on Feb. 25. The board opted for an appointment, rather than holding an election.
“Trustees considered the process for filing the recent vacancy and they approved to appoint a replacement trustee as per legislation,” says Pettit. “A second motion was passed that the board would approach the candidate who came in second on the ballot during the most recent municipal election.”
The runnerup to Janice Kaikkonen, who was elected in the 2022 municipal election, was Bryden Jones.
Pettit says if Jones does not wish to accept the appointment, the board would offer the role to the candidate who came in third, which was Shenika Reid.
He adds if Reid also declines, the board would accept applications from qualified people to take up the mantle of trustee for Southgate/Grey Highlands.
“From there, there would be a selection process to be completed with the goal of finalizing the appointment no later than May 5,” says Pettit.
This comes after Kaikkonen’s seat was declared vacant last month when she missed at least three consecutive regular board meetings.