Longtime Hamilton Catholic school board chair re-elected for 31st term

Thirty-year chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Pat Daly will serve another term.

Daly, who has held the position since 1991, was re-elected at a board meeting Tuesday.

This will be his 31st term as chair.

In his initial address, Daly expressed gratitude toward staff for their unwavering commitment" to students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Dec. 7 release reads.

Over the past 20 months, you have overcome numerous complex challenges and worked tirelessly in the best interest of the students entrusted to your care," he said.

Daly advocated for continued and long-term" support for staff and student mental health, and reaffirmed the board's commitment to equity, anti-racism and truth and reconciliation through Indigenous education.

Additional priorities for this year include religious education, closing learning gaps and Catholic leadership development, the release reads.

Also re-elected were Ward 8 and 14 trustee John Valvasori as vice-chair and Ward 10 trustee Mary Nardini as chair of the board's religion, family life and faith formation committee.

Ward 6 trustee Joseph Baiardo was elected chair of the student achievement and well-being committee.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com