The Thames Valley District School Board has a new chair after nearly six years.
London Trustee Lori-Ann Pizzolato, who represents wards 1, 11, 12, and 14, was elected chair of the school board during Tuesday's board meeting.
The election follows Oxford County Trustee Bill McKinnon's resignation as board chair.
"I wish to thank Chair McKinnon for his service to the board and his commitment to public education and to Vice-Chair Meagan Ruddock for assuming the duties of Chair during Trustee McKinnon’s absence," said Pizzolato.
Pizzolato added that she will be committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students heading back to schools when it's safe to do so again.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public education like never before," said Pizzolato. "As we work toward reopening schools, we must be keenly focused on mitigating any impacts on student achievement, as well as the health and mental wellness of students."
Pizzolato has worked as a partner in a local geological consulting firm, and has held various roles within secondary and elementary school councils and home and school associations, including president and chair.
McKinnon, who was elected chair in December 2015, has been on a leave of absence for the past month due to health reasons. He is expected to briefly resume his duties in July, before Pizzolato transitions into the role.
