Change has come to the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) with some fresh faces ready to join the board table after Monday’s municipal election
In Cambridge and North Dumfries, incumbent Cindy Watson secured her seat on the board with 9,602 votes. She will be joined by newcomers Bill Cody who had 7,686 votes, and Carla Johnson, who ended up with 7,064 votes.
“I’m very happy and excited to continue serving my constituents of Cambridge and North Dumfries,” Watson said.
“I would like to assure my constituents that I will continue to bring forward their concerns to the board table, while advocating that all students, parents, staff and community members participate in the decision-making process.”
Along with Watson, those returning to the board table are Scott Piatkowski and Kathleen Woodcock in Waterloo/Wilmot, and Mike Ramsay and Joanne Weston in Kitchener.
New faces joining Cody and Johnson in Cambridge and North Dumfires are Fred Meissner in Wellesley/Woolwich, Marie Snyder in Waterloo/Wilmot, and Meena Waseem and Maedith Radlein in Kitchener.
“Last night’s results are still sinking in. I’m feeling elated and extremely grateful for all of the support and help from family, friends, and volunteers. Without all of them, this success would not have been possible,” Cody said.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me and for giving me the confidence to move forward in this new role as Public School Board trustee.”
Cody said that the results show that change in the board was desired.
"I am dedicated to being part of the team that prioritizes the students’ interests, promotes a safe community, and promotes educational outcomes for every student, equally, and without favour,” Cody said.
“I look forward to creating an environment of positive change and providing all students with the best learning experience.”
Johnson is a retired teacher who ran for the Green party in Cambridge in the last provincial election.
“I am delighted and honoured that so many people supported me. I have spent my entire career as a teacher. I have often wondered over the years if I should enter into administration and take on those additional challenges,” Johnson said.
“Being in the classroom was really where my heart has always been, with the kids, and for the kids. And to this day, I realize that all of my other adventures outside of the classroom, have brought me right back into the classroom.”
Johnson said she looks forward to visiting every school in Cambridge and North Dumfries.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with teachers and students and to being able to champion all of the magic that’s happening in the classroom, because the stuff that teachers do every day, it really is magical,” Johnson said.
“I am excited to champion for all of those wonderful things that happen in the classroom, and for all students across the board.”
WRDSB has two more meetings scheduled before the new board is sworn in on Nov. 14.
It will be the final two meetings for both Cambridge and North Dumfries trustee Jayne Herring, and Kitchener trustee Laurie Tremble who lost their seats in last night’s election. Trustees Kathi Smith, Carol Millar, Crystal Whetham, and Karen Meissner, did not run for re-election.
