The Algoma District School Board has approved the appointment of Susan Johnson as school board trustee, filling a vacancy for the Michipicoten, Chapleau and Hornepayne area.
The board made its approval at its regular meeting held Tuesday evening.
Johnson, a Hawk Junction resident, is a retired elementary school teacher who taught in Wawa and Hawk Junction for over 30 years, first with the Michipicoten School Board and after amalgamation with the Algoma District School Board.
Johnson also served as a director on the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District board from 2018 to 2021.
Her appointment is effective Sept. 19 until the end of the term on Nov. 14, 2026.
“As a former teacher I have a great interest in, and a solid understanding of, educational issues and the importance of instilling good character attributes in our children and youth,” Johnson told the board in a presentation Tuesday.
“Prior to being a parent I thought I knew children. It was the birth of our son that made me truly understand the depth of caring and concern that parents feel for their children. This empathy helped me better connect and communicate with my students’ parents. Serving my students, their families and communities was and remains a priority. When the position of trustee for the Michipicoten, Chapleau and Hornepayne area was advertised the opportunity to again be of service in the field of education could not be ignored.”
“The learning curve is undoubtedly steep but as a lifelong learner I look forward to the challenge,” Johnson said.
At a special meeting of the board on Aug. 1, 2023, the ADSB, through board motion and as per the Education Act, opted to fill the trustee vacancy by appointment and a process was also agreed upon at that meeting.
Johnson was the lone applicant for the vacant trustee position.
She succeeds long-serving trustee Russell Reid as trustee for the Michipicoten, Chapleau and Hornepayne area.
Reid passed away June 26, 2023.