by Kyle Wells reporter@prpeak.com Powell River Board of Education trustees welcomed one new member and thanked another as they said goodbye at a
reception following the Tuesday, November 15.
Steve Formosa signed the necessary papers and swore an oath to become the newest member of the board. Formosa gained the position through acclamation, as only five people ran for the five positions.
At the ceremony Mary James, Aaron Marie Reid, Jeanette Scott and Doug Skinner were also sworn in as returning members of the board.
Formosa comes to the board after a 34-year career in the BC education system. Although raised in Powell River, Formosa spent many years teaching in Prince George before returning to the area in 1991. He spent five years teaching at Oceanview Middle School before moving to Brooks Secondary School as a teacher and, later, as vice-principal. Formosa retired in 2010.
Formosa said he sees his priority as helping the board move forward toward increased student learning opportunities. As vice-principal of Brooks Formosa said he saw first hand the success of initiatives such as the dual-credit trades program, night school and online learning opportunities.
“I think that we’re seeing more and more need for students to be able to learn at their own pace,” said Formosa. “We can’t use a cookie-cutter approach. And I know that that’s where a lot of it is, and it has to be for financial reasons, but I want to find ways to try to move more toward being more student oriented.”
Coming into the position in the middle of a labour dispute with teachers is not a desirable situation, said Formosa. As a former union member Formosa said he sympathizes with teachers, but said that he can see the issue from both sides.
Debby Lewis, board chair, fought back tears as she accepted parting gifts and spoke to those gathered at the ceremony. Lewis is leaving the board after 18 years of service, three of which she served as chair.
“It hasn’t felt like a long time,” said Lewis. “It’s a really good experience, it has been great to be able to contribute to the community. I’ve got to work with so many wonderful people in this community, I’ve got to meet so many wonderful people, it’s amazing.”
Lewis explained to the Peak that the timing felt right for her to step down and that she is looking forward to having more time to visit her children and their families, who live in Alberta. She said, as she looks back, she is proud to not have had her own agenda in her work with the board and of having always been willing to listen to both sides of a discussion.
“I’m really proud of the fact that I was able to listen to always both sides of the story,” said Lewis, “and come to my own conclusion and when I made a decision I stuck with that decision...That’s what I’m really proud of, for myself.”
Being a part of new initiatives coming to the schools and contributing to the children in the school system has been another joy of the position, said Lewis. She said she sees a strong commitment to education in Powell River residents and a belief that what this community needs are “strong, educated kids.”
Jay Yule, School District 47 superintendent of schools, thanked Lewis for her contribution at the gathering and told a story of Lewis making the extra effort to welcome Yule to the community when he arrived here to fill his position in 1999.
“She really made me feel comfortable and I have to tell you it was huge in terms of feeling like this is a great place, these are great people,” said Yule. “That sums up Debby, she’s really good at being calm...I just want to thank you on behalf of the board for all those years and I’m going to miss you.”
The new board chair will be decided at a December 6 board meeting. The chair is decided by consensus or, if no consensus is reached, a vote.
