Sudbury school trustee steps down in wake of conflict of interest accusations

The Rainbow District School Board has announced that trustee Tyler Campbell is stepping down from his elected position with the board.

Campbell, who is also the City of Greater Sudbury's director of leisure services, has come under fire recently over conflict of interest concerns related to a proposed soccer dome project in the city.

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Those accusations stem froma Sudbury parent after obtaining emails through a Freedom of Information request, after hearing the school board was in high level talks with the city about the project.

The parent called for Campbell to step aside as a board trustee.

On Friday morning, the public school board sent out a press release announcing Campbell's resignation after 13 years of service. The statement did notmention concerns about the soccer dome project.

"My position with the City of Greater Sudbury has placed more demands on my time. It also requires that I work with community partners in all sectors," Campbell was quoted as saying in the release.

"For these reasons, I have made a decision to leave my role as trustee prior to the completion of my term."

Campbell praised by board officials

In Friday's announcement, senior board officials spoke highly of Campbell's work in the public education system.

"Tyler Campbell brought a fresh perspective to the table at a time when technology was evolving rapidly," board chair Doreen Dewar was quoted as saying.

"Over the years, he combined his passion for public education with his strong business sense, supporting new initiatives for students and the renewal of schools. He has made an immense contribution to the young people in our area."

The board's director of education, Norm Blaseg, also praised Campbell for his work.

"We have been very fortunate to have Trustee Campbell at the board table, sharing his expertise, energy and enthusiasm with us," he was quoted as saying.

"He also championed student achievement and well-being, including mental health initiatives."