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After a tumultuous couple of months, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) has elected a new chair.
A small group of public observers applauded as Carol Luciani was named new chair at a board meeting on Tuesday night.
“I deeply appreciate the trust you have placed in me and I am committed to fulfilling this role with dedication and respect,” she told the board in her acceptance speech.
Luciani, the previous vice-chair, and incumbent Rick Petrella both received nominations among the six-member board, but Petrella — who held the role for the past 10 years — “respectfully” declined.
There was a relaxed, jovial atmosphere at the annual meeting, following months of public scrutiny over a controversial European trip for art procurement that Petrella and three of the other trustees originally expensed to the board — which had parents, residents and a teachers union calling for their resignation.
They have since vowed to pay for the $50,000 trip out of pocket — as well as seek donations to fund the $70,000-plus worth of religious art they purchased for new schools.
According to documents obtained via a Freedom-of-Information request, the trustees spent more than $15,000 on hotels in both Italy and Germany, $510 on alcohol, $1,610 on a single fancy restaurant meal and $28,000 on flights.
Education Minister Jill Dunlop has promised a “governance review” of the beleaguered board.
Luciani was one of two trustees not on the trip. Newly elected vice-chair Dan Dignard was among the overseas travellers.
Luciani thanked Petrella for his “dedication to the role of chair” and his work securing two new schools for the board.
“As a Catholic community, we are called to face challenges with humility, faith, forgiveness and a steadfast commitment to the common good. Let us serve with hope, determination, grace, and understanding as we journey together in leadership.”
Luciani represents Norfolk County constituents on the board. She spent her career in education, having worked as an EA, teacher and principal. She was vice-chair of the board for the past five years.
When asked about priorities, Luciani told The Spectator, “We’re just moving forward to do the best we can for our students.”
Celeste Percy-Beauregard’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories about Brant County. Reach her at cpercybeauregard@torstar.ca.
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