Rainbow School Board says no byelection, will appoint replacement trustee

The eight remaining trustees at the Rainbow District School Board have decided a candidate will be appointed to replace Tyler Campbell, avoiding a costly $25,000 byelection.

Campbell, who at the time was also the City of Greater Sudbury's director of leisure services, resigned amid conflict of interest allegations surrounding the construction of a proposed soccer bubble on school board property.

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Under the Ontario Education Act, the board has 90 days from the date of a trustee's resignation to appoint their replacement.

Vice chair Dena Morrisonsaid the board is thinking about the bigger picture when boards and schools are strapped for cash.

"I certainly support the appointment," Morrison, "and avoid the byelection's $25,000cost."

Trustee Larry Killens, the lone vote against appointing a successor, asked the board if it was considering handing the vacant chair to the runner up from the 2014 election.

"I thought the legislation says that we could turn to the runner-up," Killens said."Apparently I'm being told that I'm wrong so I'm going to dig it up cause I know I read it. I'd like for the runner-up to be considered and yes, that could be a choice if that person is qualified."

Board chair Doreen Dewar said the runner-up would be welcome to apply, along with any other interested applicants.

"The only qualification is that you must be a public school supporter and you must reside within the wide expanse of the Rainbow District School Board," Dewar said.

Both vice-chair Dena Morrison and Bob Clement were appointed as trustees after vacancies.

Dewar said the new trustee will be appointed by late March, after the board votes on a proposal to close as many as eight schools in Greater Sudbury and Webbwood.