Sutherland Says Farewell
One of Abbotsford School District’s longest ever serving Trustees attended his final public Board meeting November 18. John Sutherland has served a total of 27 years since his first election in 1983. In recounting his time on the board, he noted how far both the district and society have come, adding: “I guess it’s fair to say that I have had the privilege, along with a host of wonderful, creative educators, administrators and trustees, of building a modern school district from scratch.”
“There are plenty of reasons to become discouraged and jaded in this job,” said Trustee Sutherland. “It can be more demanding than rewarding. But one only has to get into the schools and see the children and their teachers in action, and a trustee is truly re-energized and motivated to do the job.” He concluded “Today, Abbotsford is once more a shining beacon on a hill, an educational masterwork, a great place to go to school. And that’s a good time for me to leave.”
Trustee Korky Neufeld is also stepping down after nine years on the Board.