Statement from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
April 17, 2024
Erie Migration District School will open in September. It will be a new, exciting era for public education in the region with the closure of 3 schools creating the K-12 community of 1800 students at one location. This $60 million dollar project will provide them with a level of functionality, comfort and technology not previously experienced.
The decision to name the school Erie Migration District School has been discussed and debated and has twice been the subject of a majority vote of Board members. It is concluded.
GECDSB administration must now carry on to finish the outstanding operational matters so that the school building is complete for occupancy in the fall.
We, as a Board, must look ahead to other, significant business - in particular, the budget for the 2024-25 school year, which presents several substantial challenges that will impact every aspect of the organization.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees I encourage all public school supporters in our community to be positively engaged in the continued success of our education system.
Sincerely,
Gale Simko-Hatfield
Chair of the Board of Trustees
The Greater Essex County District School Board's (GECDSB) Board of Trustees includes 10 Trustees. They are elected for a four-year term through the municipal election process. The current Board of Trustees was elected in October 2022. The Chairperson is Gale Hatfield.
Board of Trustees
Gale Hatfield - Chairperson of the Board |
| Gale Hatfield
Representing Windsor Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 519-971-1667 |
Nancy Armstrong |
|
Representing the Municipality of Leamington 519-818-5529 |
Connie Buckler |
|
Representing the Town of Tecumseh and Municipality of Lakeshore 519-818-8617 |
Julia Burgess |
|
Representing the Town of Essex and the Town of Kingsville 519-733-5324 |
Sarah Cipkar |
|
Representing Windsor Wards 3, 4 and 10 519-790-9518 |
Cathy Cooke |
|
Representing Windsor Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 519-890-1486 |
Ron Le Clair |
|
Representing the Town of Amherstburg, Town of LaSalle 519-995-2277 |
Kim McKinley |
|
Windsor Wards 1, 2 & 9 519-919-2701 |
Christie Nelson |
|
Wards 3, 4, 10 519-919-2430 |
Linda Qin |
|
Representing Windsor Wards 1, 2 and 9 519-300-3068 |
Tianyu Lin |
| Tianyu Lin Student Trustee - City Representative |
Chiara Trakilovic |
| Chiara Trakilovic Student Trustee – County Representative |
How to Communicate with the Board or Individual Trustees
The Board welcomes and values input from students, parents, staff and members of the community regarding Board policies, practices, related issues and its overall education system.
There are established methods in place to assist with effective communication:
- Students are encouraged to approach their Student Trustee.
- Parents are encouraged to work through School Councils who share concerns with the Board through the Greater Essex County Parent Involvement Committee.
- Staff should refer to the formal communication protocol where appropriate or contact the Director's Office for direction.
- Members of the community should contact the appropriate Trustee representing their constituency.