The Ottawa Catholic School Board has appointed a new trustee following the death of long-time trustee John Curry. In a special meeting Tuesday, the OCSB appointed former manager of communications Mardi de Kemp as the representative for Zone 1 (West Carleton-March/Stittsville-Kanata West/Rideau- Goulbourn/Osgoode). De Kemp will represent that area for the remainder of the 2018-22 term, ending on Nov. 14. De Kemp was one of eight candidates who put forward their names to represent the seat that was vacated by Curry’s passing in February at the age of 75. Curry had served as a trustee for more than 20 years. "I'm honoured to have been selected as the Trustee for Zone 1. John Curry was a great man and a wonderful advocate for Catholic education. I'll work hard to continue John's legacy as a champion for all students, Catholic education, and the students and parents in Zone 1. I thank the trustees for their confidence in me, and I look forward to joining the Board," de Kemp said in a news release. De Kemp has been involved with the OCSB and its predecessors for more than 30 years. “She was actively involved with three school councils, chairing two; she led umbrella parent groups like CSPA (Catholic School Parents’ Association); and as a member of two provincial organizations, she was a community representative and an association representative at the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee,” the OCSB said in a release. “Ms. de Kemp was recognized for her volunteer work with the Board in 2000, receiving the inaugural award for volunteer recognition from the Ottawa Catholic School Board. In addition, Ms. de Kemp was awarded a Director of Education Commendation Award for her work in Board Communications.” The next municipal election in Ottawa will be held on Oct. 24.
