The transition to a single English Language School Board has reached a significant milestone today with the announcement of the trustees for the new school board, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac.

“The new superintendent and management team are in place and now the trustees have been selected,” said Minister McIsaac. “We were extremely pleased to receive over 65 applications from highly qualified individuals from across the province. Obviously this speaks to the interest Islanders have in enhancing our education system and improving student achievement.”

The call for applications was open to Prince Edward Island residents. Government has appointed a board chair and 11 trustees from across the province. The board reflects the diversity of the communities served, including demographic, cultural, geographic, gender and social characteristics.”

“Given the high quality and vast experience of the candidates, the selection process was not easy,” said Minister McIsaac. “However, we are confident that the people chosen have a wide range of experience and knowledge in various areas and will work collaboratively to enhance achievement for all students across the province.”

The new trustees will attend a training session before they begin their new role on January 1, 2013.

BACKGROUNDER

English Language School Trustees Biographies

Chair, Fred Osborne

Fred Osborne is the past president of the Maritime Christian College in Charlottetown where he continues to be an adjunct professor. He holds a Bachelor of Theology and has been the lead minister at several congregations, with over 25 years of experience in full-time ministry. Fred has been described as a compassionate, caring and reliable leader and team player.

Lori St. Onge

Lori St. Onge is the Director of Aboriginal Justice for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island. Prior to this, she was the Executive Director for Child Find PEI Inc. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Public Administration Diploma.

Dr. Jason Doiron

Dr. Jason Doiron is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island with a focus in areas such as clinical psychology and parenting practices. He obtained his Doctoral degree at University of New Brunswick and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Prince Edward Island.

Gary Doucette

Gary Doucette has been a long-standing trustee, serving 11 years as a Board Chair for the Western School Board and 16 years as a trustee. Gary is also a great community leader, actively involved in various community organizations. Gary has over 19 years of experience working at Canada Revenue Agency in areas of management and staffing.

Cindy McCardle

Cindy McCardle is a former trustee for the Western School Board. Cindy is a very active member of the community and past president of the Home and School in her community. She is a Pharmacy Technician at the Prince County Hospital. She shows great interest and knowledge in all aspects of the school system at the local and provincial level.

Colleen Parker

Colleen Parker was the Family Services Coordinator and the Prenatal Nutrition Program Coordinator for Kids West Inc. She has worked in schools in West Prince for the past 15 years in her role at Kids West and through the Roots Empathy Program she delivered to elementary schools. She has served as a member and as a past president of the Parents Council. She is also an active volunteer for the Western School Board. She obtained her Counselling Skills Diploma at Dalhousie University.

Jeff Chapman

Jeff Chapman is a Project Manager for Chapman Bros. Construction Ltd. He has his professional designation for Engineering and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a diploma in Engineering from University of Prince Edward Island. He is a current board member of the Eastern Kings Sportsplex and a former minor hockey coach and current volunteer.

Kent Nicholson

Kent Nicholson is a Mechanical Engineer with Maritime Electric. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. He is currently studying for his Master of Business Administration at University of Prince Edward Island. He is a past member of the Board of Directors for the United Way for Prince Edward Island.

June Jenkins Sanderson

June Jenkins Sanderson is a Trainer and Facilitator with Ceridian Canada Inc. Prior to that she was a School Counselling Specialist with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. She holds a Master of Education specializing in counselling and psychotheraphy, a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Science.

Linda Lowther

Linda Lowther has more than 30 years of experience in the Education system and holds a Master of Education. She was a consultant with the department for nine years, where she developed curriculum. She was also the Director of French programs and the former Senior Director of Learning and Early Childhood Development and Assistant Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

David Mitchell

David Mitchell is a former principal, teacher and administrator in the Eastern School District. He has his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from University of Prince Edward Island. He obtained his Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. He was the former mayor of Keppoch/Kinlock area and continues to be very involved in his community. He also served as a trustee for the Eastern School District.

Dr. Margaret Morrison

Dr. Margaret Morrison is a Veterinary Program Specialist and Acting Senior Staff Veterinarian for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. She holds a Doctoral Degree of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Science focusing on Epidemiology and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology. Dr. Morrison has also spent time as a substitute teacher and as a volunteer at the local school. She was an active member of the Parents’ Consultative Committee/Home and School and is known as a leader in her community.