New Chairperson of Strait Regional School Board Appointed

Longtime educator and school board member Mary Jess MacDonald has been named chairperson of the Strait Regional School Board.

The board vice-chairperson was appointed to the post by Executive Council today, Nov. 20, on a recommendation by Education Minister Karen Casey.

"As a past-president of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, Ms. MacDonald has gained insight and experience that will serve her well as board chairperson," said Ms. Casey.

Cabinet was asked to appoint a chairperson after board members were unable to break a tie vote at its annual organizational meeting on Nov. 1.

Two candidates -- Ms. MacDonald and Henry Van Berkel -- were both nominated for the position. The vote was a tie. A second vote, as required by board bylaws, also ended in a tie.

Ms. MacDonald, who has been a board member for Inverness South since amalgamation, and a former president of the Nova School Boards Association, has served as the board's vice-chairperson for the last four years. She has spent 36 years in the public school system as a teacher, principal, curriculum supervisor and assistant superintendent. She also served on the amalgamation committee when the board was formed in 1995-96.