Tridico declines nomination as school board vice-chair

Grace Tridico, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board trustee who's appealing both her conviction and sentencing for breaking Ontario election law, last night declined a nomination as the school board's vice-chair.

"I thank my nominator, but ask that my name be removed," said Tridico (shown). "It is not my intent to run for that position this year."

Also declining a nomination for vice-chair was trustee Lindsay Liske.

Because he was not present at the meeting, trustee Gerald Beerkens was removed as a candidate.

The board returned Marchy Bruni for his fourth year as chair, with Regis O'Connor replacing Laurie Aceti as vice-chair.

Conrad Bobiwash was the only trustee to let his nomination stand and run against Bruni.

Trustee John Caputo was also nominated for vice-chair and let his name stand.

Numbers of votes for each nominee were not disclosed and following last night's inaugural meeting, the ballots were destroyed.

The full text of the board's release follows.

************************* Bruni returned as H-SCDSB chair, O'Connor new vice-chair

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Huron-Superior Catholic District School board of trustees has returned Marchy Bruni to the position of chair.

At the board of trustees monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 10, Mr. Bruni was returned to the position he has held for the past three years in the annual election.

At the same meeting, Trustee Regis O'Connor was voted in as vice-chair, replacing Laurie Aceti.

Mr. Bruni has served as trustee of the H-SCDSB for the past eight years.

"It is a privilege to serve as chair of the board and I am happy that my effort in this position for the past three years has earned the support of my fellow trustees," said Bruni.

"I take this role very seriously and realize there are important issues facing the board of trustees regarding Catholic education and society as a whole," added Bruni.

O'Connor, one of the longest-serving trustees on the board, is honoured to take on the new, yet familiar, role.

"It's really not an onerous job as the chairs of this board have always been diligent in their role. I will support the hair and support the actions of our board and I look forward to the year ahead," said O'Connor.

Director of Education John Stadnyk looks forward to the continued relationship with the returning chair.

"Marchy and I have forged a great relationship and I know he is determined to improve every facet of our Catholic education system," said Stadnyk.

"Needless to say Regis, as a former chair and current president of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees Association, brings a dedication to Catholic education that is unparalleled," added Stadnyk.

Mr. Bruni will make his inaugural address to the board at its next scheduled meeting on January 14.

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