Dear Editor,

After spending the last term as the Western Quebec School Board commissioner for Ward 3 (Shawville and environs), I have recently discovered that I am unable to run for re-election in the upcoming school board elections. The rules dictated by the provincial government no longer allow someone to also be a municipal councillor, and as I am half-way through a term on Bristol Council, something had to go. Despite being much maligned, the municipal councils of our county are filled with good people doing their best to make good communities, and we are lucky to have them. I am proud to continue to serve in Bristol.

So we need a new commissioner to represent this area. Despite a hostile provincial government, the English-language community still has a constitutional right to control our own education system, and we shouldn’t take it lightly. Commissioners vote on policy issues, support and develop the senior administration of the school board, and provide oversight.

In such a large territory as the Western Quebec School Board, it is vital to have someone at that table advocating for our rural schools. Our English schools have to be the very best, both to attract families and students, but also to ensure the vitality and success of our students and communities. A commissioner for Ward 3 would also have to pay special attention to the needs of the schools in that ward (McDowell Elementary, Pontiac High School, and the Pontiac Continuing Education Centre).

There isn’t much time, but it is still possible to run. Nomination forms and more information can be found on the WQSB website (www.westernquebec.ca), and I would be happy to discuss the job if you are interested. Nominations must be submitted this month. I encourage everyone across the region to think about running in any ward – a contested election is a great sign of community vitality, and the best way to ensure quality commissioners.

Thank you for allowing me to serve,

Greg Graham, Bristol