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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 20, 2009 · 8 QUALITY INTEGRITY VALUE Joudrie says accommodation issue was biggest challenge Continued from page 1 CLOSETS · HOME OFFICES · GARAGES · MEDIA CENTRES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 2009 HOME RENO TAX CREDIT District School Board. His salary in 2008 was just over $217,000. Joudrie has tackled his share of issues during his tenure, with potential teacher strikes, school closures, budget challenges and rapid enrollment growth, just to name a few. He cites accommodation as the biggest challenge during his time with the HDSB. "At the outset, we were growing at an incredible pace and had no ability to build new schools," he said. "Thanks to our strong advocacy at the Ministry level, we were granted `Growth Board' funding to ensure that our kids were well served when they arrived, rather than several years after their arrival. We finally managed to get `ahead of the wave' of growth, as evidenced by our most recent builds in Milton and Oakville." He said that related Program Accommodation Reviews were also difficult. Most recently the board went through two Program Accommodation Review Committee (PARC) processes, with PARC 16B in northeast Oakville and a very controversial PARC 14 in southeast Oakville. "The challenge of addressing school closure and boundary change is always difficult," he said. "It is even more challenging when there is a long history of frustrated attempts at dealing with the issues, as was the case in the PARC 14 review. I'm very proud of the work of our board in ensuring that the solutions that have been developed and approved are good for students in the short term and in the long term." Joudrie cited a number of accomplishments during the past five years, such as improved student achievement, indicated by substantial growth at both the elementary and secondary levels, the construction and opening of nine new schools, as well as multiple renovations, as Halton experienced unprecedented growth. He said he has enjoyed working with staff and the community towards creating optimal learning environments in Halton. "I have been incredibly blessed to have outstanding staff, trustee and community support for the work of making our system better for kids and for the Halton community at large," he said. "Halton has a strong tradition based upon respectful relationships and I benefitted from this supportive and encouraging culture. I believe Halton Region is well served by this attitude of cooperation and collaboration." Joudrie said he currently has no plans for after August 2010. However, he added that he would like to do education-related work. In the meantime, the HDSB will be reviewing options in undertaking a search to fill the director of education position for next fall. For the Health of Our Community Thank you to Holcim (Canada) Inc. and Dufferin Aggregates who organized the 2nd annual Ready Mix Drum Sponsorship Program that is benefitting the Oakville, Milton and Georgetown hospitals. We would also like to thank the 18 sponsors who participated in this program and collectively contributed $100,000 to purchase essential medical equipment for the three hospital sites. The 18 sponsors will receive "rolling recognition" on two of Dufferin Aggregates ready mix concrete trucks throughout the communities of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville for one year in exchange for a donation. Initiatives like the Ready-Mix Drum Sponsorship Program help ensure that essential healthcare services are available, close to home. To learn more about our community partner programs please visit www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com Introducing the Napoleon GDI30G Gas Insert. Exclusive CRYSTALINE glass ember bed and accent lighting. Thank you for the health of our community! Visit our showroom to see this model and all our 35 models burning on display. 3600 Laird Rd., Units 12 & 13 Mississauga, ON Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 www.ontariohearth.com 905.569.2404