For what could be the first time ever in the school division's history, a St. Paul Education Regional Division (SPERD) board trustee has resigned from her position.
During the March 13 regular meeting, Rhonda Lafrance officially resigned from her position as trustee of Subdivision D. Lafrance represented schools within St. Paul.
In her letter of resignation, Lafrance noted that she had taken on a position as marketing coordinator with MCSNet, "and cannot continue in my role as trustee in the same manner as I have for the past 11.5 years."
Secretary-Treasurer Jean Champagne said he looked into the legislation around what happens when there is a vacancy on a school board. According to the School Act, if a vacancy occurs on a board of six or more members, the board is not required to call a by-election, specifically if it occurs during the three-year period immediately following a general election, and if there is only one vacancy.
"We can hold a by-election if the board so wishes," said Champagne, but he added it is not required in this specific case.
A cost estimate to hold a by-election was pegged at about $5,000. Council discussed the matter, and made a motion not to hold a by-election. One of the reasons given was that there are still two trustees on the board who represent schools within the town of St. Paul.
See the March 19, 2019, issue of the St. Paul Journal for more coverage.
