Shaun Chen elected new TDSB chair

There was a changing of the guard at the Toronto District School Board Monday night as trustee Shaun Chen was elected the new chair.

“I’m feeling really good and really positive,” Chen said. “There’s a huge opportunity ahead and I’m looking forward to leading the board in a positive direction.”

The 34-year-old replaces Mari Rutka who was elected earlier this year after former chair Chris Bolton resigned suddenly on June 13 after serving the board for 12 years. There were reports Bolton was the subject of improper spending and had been scrutinized for a charitable foundation he founded, which receives board funding. Bolton called the allegations unfounded.

Chen, who has served on numerous TDSB committees and has served as the board’s vice-chair since 2011, says he will push for more transparency and wants to build a closer relationship between parents and community members to achieve good education for children.

“We have an opportunity, as a new board, to build a new sense of trust, a sense of renewal and a pathway for us to move forward and really make change in the system,” he explained.

Sheila Cary-Meagher, trustee for Ward 16, was elected vice-chair.

Eleven new trustees were also sworn in on Monday.

With files from Toronto Staff

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