York school board seeks candidates for Richmond Hill trustee byelection

Trustee Corrie McBain's departure triggered byelection for vacant wards 1, 2 and 4 seat at York Region District School Board

Yorkregion.com
July 21, 2020
Sheila Wang

Two months after former trustee Corrie McBain announced her resignation, York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is looking to fill the vacancy for a Richmond Hill trustee through a byelection this fall.

The City of Richmond Hill is expected to begin accepting nominations for the school board trustee for wards 1, 2 and 4 on July 20, 2020, according to an announcement released by the city on July 17.

Despite concerns over anticipated cost, the school board chose on July 6 to hold a byelection, which was one of four options to fill a vacant seat mid-term, including appointing the runner up in the last election and conducting an appointment process with an external consultant.

The byelection, scheduled for October 19, 2020, is estimated to cost the city about $320,000 via standard voting, or $207,000 via internet voting, according to Richmond Hill.

“Trustees carefully considered the options and determined that holding a byelection would provide the residents of Richmond Hill with a fair process to democratically select their representative,” said Chair of the Board, Juanita Nathan, who also thanked the former trustee's contribution.

McBain had served the board since 2014 before deciding to step down from her seat in the middle of the 2018-22 term.

“I have now reached a point in my role as trustee where I have done all that I am able to advance the priorities of the board,” McBain wrote in her resignation letter on May 14, posted on social media.

Her resignation took effect on June 30.

To run for office as a school board trustee for Richmond Hill Ward 1, 2 and 4, a candidate must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and a resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board.

The candidates will have until 2 p.m. on September 4 to file a nomination by calling at 905-747-65417 or emailing at candidates@richmondhill.ca to make an appointment with the city clerk at Richmond Hill’s Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road).

Completed forms can be filled in and printed before the scheduled meeting, but should only be signed at the meeting.

At the time of filing, all candidates must submit a completed nomination form, the declaration of qualification and pay the prescribed filing fee of $100.