New leadership for Hastings Prince Edward school board

Shannon Binder and Spencer Hutchison

New leadership is in place around the governance table for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board as a result of elections for the chair and vice-chair roles.

At its annual meeting Dec. 6, the board of trustees elected Shannon Binder as Chair and Spencer Hutchison as vice-chair.

Having previously been in the chair role, Binder expressed appreciation upon being elected to the lead role, once again. She acknowledged her action-oriented approach, being a strong communicator and someone who will lead the board to model the HPEDSB vision and mission.

“I am open-minded and direct. I will never shy away from an uncomfortable situation or potential conflict,” said Binder, adding that she will lead the board to work together.

As trustee for Southeast Hastings, Binder was first elected in October 2018 and served a one-year term as chair beginning in December of that year. She then served a one-year term as vice-chair until November 2020. She has served on the executive committee, audit committee and mental health leadership team.

Hutchison views the vice-chair role as an opportunity to contribute more to the board over the next year.

“I look to support Binder, be a team player and work with my trustee colleagues to make this a successful fourth and final term of our board,” said Hutchison.

Hutchison was first elected in October 2018. He has served on the operations and finance committee, instructional technology advisory committee, special high skills majors advisory committee, and the Food for Learning partnership.

Binder and Hutchison begin their duties immediately for a one-year period ending Nov. 30, 2022.

In addition, other board members include Mike Brant, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte; Lisa Anne Chatten, Belleville/Thurlow; Jennifer Cobb, North Prince Edward County; Bonnie Danes, Central Hastings; Alison Kelly, South Prince Edward County; Lucille Kyle, North Hastings; Krista McConnell, Belleville/Thurlow; and Kristen Parks, Sidney and Frankford.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 15,000 students at 39 in-person schools (32 elementary, two K-12; four 7-12, one secondary) and a K-10 virtual school.

The district covers a geographic area of 7,220 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.