Prince George, B.C. – School District 57 hosts its inaugural meeting of the new school board tonight.

Judge Michael A. Gray will administer the Oaths of Office before a series of elections will be held – for board chair, vice-chair, BCSTA provincial councillor, and for BCPSEA representative.

Trustee Tim Bennett, who served two of the past three year’s as vice-chair on the last board, has confirmed to 250 News he would be interested in the chairmanship should he be nominated from the floor.

“We’re in a position now where we have seven people who could all be chair and I would really like the opportunity to work with all of them and be able to steer them moving forward.”

As 250 News reported here yesterday, Sharel Warrington won’t be seeking re-election as chairperson, a post she held the past three years.

And neither will top vote getter in last month’s election, Trish Bella, who feels it will allow her a better chance to represent everybody.

“I can bring forward motions. When you’re chair you get a little bit saddled with being neutral. You’re not as free to discuss and debate the items.”

She says it wasn’t an easy decision.

“At first I thought absolutely, then the more I thought about it, including speaking to chairs around the province, I just don’t feel I would have been allowed the freedom of the voice that I would want.”

However Bella says she’ll still let her name stand for vice-chair noting “it will free up that voice a bit.”

250 News has also learned rookie trustee Tony Cable may have some interest in running for the top position.

“If nominated I will let my name stand,” he confirmed Monday afternoon.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.