New Amherstburg-LaSalle public board trustee now on the job

Chandrika Abhang is the new Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee for the Greater Essex County District School Board. She was appointed by the board to her new position in December.

The new public school board trustee for the Amherstburg/LaSalle area is now on the job and is getting a handle on her new responsibilities.

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) appointed Chandrika Abhang to the board in mid-December, after an interview process and vote among board members. Abhang replaced Ron LeClair, as LeClair resigned last fall.

Abhang and Cheryl Lovell were both appointed the same night, with Lovell representing Leamington/Pelee Island. Lovell replaced Nancy Armstrong, as Armstrong also resigned.

“The reason I applied for the trustee position was two-fold,” Abhang explained.

The first was the fact she is a parent of a child in the public school system in the area and she wants to be involved and informed as to what is being learned and how the system operates. 

Abhang joined the parent advisory council at the school, and when the trustee position became available, she decided to apply as she saw it as “the next step” in getting involved.

The second reason Abhang said she applied was due to her background as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) coach. An engineer by trade, Abhang said she wants to ensure there is not a “gap” between the industry and the educational sector.

Abhang said she wants to make sure there is alignment between the school system with the new technology that is constantly coming out. The aim is to keep the school system on top of issues and make sure students are ready for the future.

“I want to be a person to bridge the gap and be an asset to the board,” said Abhang.

Abhang has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a masters from Michigan Tech with over a decade working in the field.

Noting she wants to bring a “holistic approach” towards education, Abhang added she has a creative background as well as a scientific background including work in film work. She added there are a variety of different backgrounds in the public education system, and that adds to the holistic experience the students receive.

Her current job title is director of global strategy with her previous position being as a director of research and development. She began her career on the shop floor in India and her career has evolved into senior leadership positions with contacts and experience worldwide.

Despite being a trustee for approximately one month, Abhang said the experience has been positive. She admitted to being surprised when it was announced she was one of the candidates that were being appointed

“The board is very supportive,” she said. “The experience has been very good so far.”

Abhang added her outreach into the community has begun, as she is reaching out to schools trying to meet with them.

“I am going to set up an appointment with all of the schools,” said Abhang. 

Abhang added she views the role of trustee as a connection between the education system and the public.

“We are kind of a bridge between public education and the community,” she said.

New Amherstburg-LaSalle public board trustee now on the job

By Ron Giofu