written by Lori Nash

Queenswood Heights resident and former member of he QHCA David N Primeau has been appointed as the new Trustee for Orléans- Cumberland , to replace Sheryl MacDonald. MacDonald resigned when she ran in the December by-election for city councillor.

   David Primeau and his wife and family have lived in the heights for 24 years and both of their daughters Elizabeth and Sarah went to Queenswood Public School, Emily Carr, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier( when it was downtown) and Gloucester High School. He is a grandparent with children in the OCDSB today. 

  “The role of a trustee as I see it is twofold: one is the representation and advocacy role which is working with the parents and the schools and the local community…bringing the message downtown (to the board) and also the trusteeship of assets that belong to other people , such as money and children and this is an onerous responsibility because you look at the whole system not just your one district. It is a little bit of an internal dynamic the parochial of Orléans Cumberland and the whole board in how that 600 million dollar budget is spent and how the 70,000 students benefit from the programs.” said Primeau.

  Primeau had no delusions about the job , and he said that he had been swore in at 10 O’clock on Thursday night and by 6 pm on Sunday night he had already received five phone calls from parents about issue that were coming before the board on Monday. He said none were from his district and most seemed to come at 6 pm which is the same time as he had his supper and telemarketers call. 

  Primeau also wanted to be involved at the schools but within reason. “I expect to be at prize giving and awards nights and hot dog days and all these things and I would do that but my concern is this I don’t want to take over the school or seem to be doing take. The principal and the teachers are paid to do that and are responsible for educating our children. The school councils are the ones working with the school, it is my role to facilitate the effective utilization of all the resources and my role is not to take over the school operation from the principal the teachers, parents or the school council.”  Primeau viewed his primary role “to facilitate when there are problems to address and when there are issues to be developed and when there are better ways to do things.” 

  In response to a question about support or endorsements and commitments to any school councils or groups David Primeau responded , “I am going to the board with no baggage.” This may in fact be a refreshing change  in politics.