Question 1 – Zone 7 Responses
Will you act to postpone the appointment of a new OCDSB director? If no, what are your reasons? If yes, what are your reasons and how will you act?
Submissions:
– Jennifer Jennekens
– Kim Woods
Jennifer Jennekens – Yes
On average it takes approximately 9 months to recruit an Executive or Director. By the time they are on-boarded and contributing, a year may pass. By choosing an Interim Director, a clear assessment and shared vision of the needs of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) can be gathered and confirmed. The Interim Director can provide hands on leadership during the transition period and ensure that the vision of the OCDSB moves forward without a hitch.
Kim Woods – Yes
After considering the arguments on both sides of the question, I feel having the newly elected Board of Trustees is better positioned to conclude on the hiring of the new Director.
The following outlines my reasons why.
Experience: While the existing slate of Trustee representatives may have experience from the past four years or longer, it does not necessarily mean the experience held is more relevant than new candidates running in the current election. Some potential candidates like myself have sat on corporate Boards and played an active role in the hiring of senior staff.
Coverage: The zone boundaries of the school board have been adjusted for this election. Given the role of elected trustees are to represent their respective zone constituents, it seems reasonable that the new representatives for the redefined zones make the decision.
Continuity: It makes sense to have the newly elected slate of Trustees participate in selecting the Director. They will work with the new Director during their term on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis to continue to improve the quality of public education for students.
Currency: The period to hire the new Director is best aligned with the term of the new set of Trustees
Focus: Many of the candidates running for Trustee (either as a new Trustee or for re-election) will be focused on the election campaign which may distract from the process required to ensure the most appropriate candidate is selected for Director. Once the election is complete a full focus can be made on the task of filling the Director role.
Continuous Improvement: Each election should lead to continued improvement in representation. Existing trustees that have had a positive influence for the group they represent, coupled with the knowledge of the system and process have an increased probability of being re-elected. New Trustees hired for the first time will have brought an increased knowledge, insights or approaches that the entire Board may have benefited from.
While I have full respect for all Trustees, both current and past, I feel the School Board is best served allowing the newly elected Trustees to play the key role in the selection of the new Director.