Rookie trustee Robin Pilkey acclaimed to TDSB board

Robin Pilkey is the new chair of the Toronto District School Board after being acclaimed to the position on Wednesday.

Pilkey is a rookie trustee who takes over after the resignation of Shaun Chen, who is running for the federal Liberals in Scarborough North riding in the election.

"Very exciting day elected as new chair of the TDSB," tweeted Pilkey, a charted accountant before joining the board.
"Appreciate the support of my fellow trustees."

Pilkey takes over a board that has persistent problems.

In March, a panel chaired by former mayor Barbara Hall was convened to recommend improvements to the school board's governance structure. The seven-member panel is due to report back to Sandals by the end of the summer.

The panel was a result of an audit completed by Margaret Wilson confirming that a "culture of fear" existed within the TDSB.

Pilkey was the only trustee to run for the position. She was elected at a special meeting of the Toronto District School Board.

Despite being the only candidate, she campaigned on teaching strong foundational math skills and French language, and addressing funding gaps and coordination with the province and the city.

She had the backing of famed trustee Irene Atkinson and Parkdale MP Peggy Nash.

Pilkey's term will end November 30.