Estevan trustees Bob Cossette and Bev Hickie took part in their final board meeting for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division on Oct. 14, as neither one ran for re-election this year, so the board had a farewell for the two.
Board chair Bruno Tuchscherer presented a certificate to each one, and both trustees had parting thoughts for the board.
Cossette, who represented the rural Estevan area, said, “I really have mixed emotions. I wanted to pass the baton to the next fellow, Gil. I think he’s going to be a big help to the board. I received much more than I gave.”
He noted that he is stepping down for health-related reasons, as a childhood injury has had lingering effects on him.
“I think this board is the best there is, we have leadership that works all the time and are pro-active,” he said. “Continue doing what you’re doing.”
Hickie, who is one of two city representatives for Estevan on Holy Family, said he has served on the Holy Family board for the last 10 years, and added he would greatly miss the conversations he and Bob and trustee Karen Melle had on their drives up to Weyburn for board meetings.
“One of the most rewarding (parts) is working with all of you people,” said Hickie, adding he enjoyed the fact that the board and their teachers worked together as opposed to being separate and adversarial.
He pointed to the teacher liaison committee as a very rewarding connection the board has made with the teachers, noting they had a meeting with the liaison committee just prior to the Oct. 14 board meeting.
“We have a good rapport, and I know our teachers are very proud of this board,” he said, adding in a comment to director of education Gwen Keith, “I’ve worked with a lot of superintendents, and you’re the tops.”
Prior to giving the certificates, Tuchscherer said, “It’s been interesting working with both of you. Bob poses questions nobody else thinks of, and Bev brings a past experience in teaching. We wish you both farewell.”
