The Bluewater District School board trustee position for Grey Highlands and Southgate is now vacant.
At a recent meeting, the board voted to declare the seat previously held by Janice Kaikkonen vacant. Under the Education Act, the board is authorized to take such an action if a trustee is absent without authorization from three straight meetings.
Kaikkonen was elected the trustee for Southgate and Grey Highlands in the 2022 election.
In an email, board communications officer Jamie Pettit, said the board would be taking steps at its next meeting on Feb. 18 to begin the process to fill the open seat.
According to the board’s internal policies, there are two choices for actions to fill the vacant seat. The board can choose to have a by-election for the position. The board could also go the appointment route, which could include interviews with interested candidates.
CollingwoodToday reached out to Kaikkonen for a comment, but did not receive a response.