By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At its March 25 meeting, the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) council tackled a wide range of topics, from staffing appointments to building upgrades and legislative concerns. The meeting, presided over by chairperson Michael Murray, highlighted several key issues currently shaping the board’s operations.
Leadership transition in educational services
The council approved the appointment of Emmanuelle Gaudet as Director of Instructional Technology and Pedagogical Services, effective July 1. Gaudet will replace Eva Lettner, who is retiring at the end of August.
While welcoming Gaudet, Murray and others offered praise for Lettner’s long service. “She’s been a pillar for as long as I’ve been certainly in this chair,” said Murray. On a lighter note, he joked about recent ministerial directives that “inspired, no doubt, by news that you were intending to retire,” included a new unremunerated committee for retired administrators—“a perfect job” for Lettner, he quipped.
Request for new vocational training program
The board voted to seek ministerial authorization to add a General Building Maintenance course to its vocational training offerings. The move comes as part of a broader effort to diversify programming and respond to strong regional labour demand. If approved, the program could be run independently or in partnership with other English school boards.
Upcoming by-election in Ward 3
A by-election will be held by July 20 to fill the Ward 3 seat vacated by Commissioner Megan Séline, who resigned on March 20. The board appointed Sean Champigny as the returning officer for the election. Murray expressed regret over Séline’s departure, saying the board had “high hopes” her background would have helped the council better understand internal education processes.
