For the past 12 years I have had the privilege of representing the students, families and communities of the Northern Bruce Peninsula and the Town of South Bruce Peninsula as your Public-School Board Trustee for the Bluewater District School Board.
While I am honoured to have had this opportunity to serve our students and families and Bluewater District School Board, I have decided not to seek reelection – a decision I had made prior to the recent announcement by the Minister of Education.
I am proud of the work my trustee colleagues and I have accomplished over the past three terms. We have supported board staff through the pandemic, through difficult accommodation reviews, and significant enrolment growth. Our students have repeatedly demonstrated success in many ways, including academics, the arts, athletics, and skilled trades. The role of trustee was not always an easy job, but it was always fulfilling.
Each Trustee on the Board is elected by an electoral area, but once chosen, we represent all 18,800 students. Learning the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee – including governance, school board funding and budgeting, the diversity of our students’ needs, and the realities of our geography – takes time and commitment. I have learned that one size does not fit all, and that difficult decisions must be made. I have also worked alongside very knowledgeable staff who demonstrate dedication to our students every day, whether they are in the classroom or in one of the many supporting roles.
It is very apparent that the education landscape is changing, and how this will impact the role of trustees, and individual school boards like Bluewater, is still unknown. What does seem clear is that decision-making is being centralized with the provincial government. The need for local representation is more important than ever.
If publicly funded rural education – and the well-being of our students, parents, and communities – are important to you, I encourage you to consider putting your name forward to serve.
I would be pleased to provide further information regarding the role and my experience as a public-school trustee. I can be contacted at 519-793-3788.
With my gratitude for your support over the past 12 years,
Jane Thomson
