Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 20/98) - The city's Catholic ratepayers will have another year with a veteran of local school board politics at the helm.

Noel O'Sullivan, a 16-year member of the Yellowknife Public Denominational District Education Authority, was returned as chair in a unanimous decision by his colleagues Wednesday night at a regular board meeting.

After his name was brought forward, no other trustees were nominated to run against him.

This is the ninth time Catholic trustees have chosen O'Sullivan to lead them.

"I want to say thank you to my fellow board members," O'Sullivan said, unsuccessfully hiding a whimsical Irish grin, moments after he was acclaimed.

"We have an exciting year ahead. Like boards in the past, I expect it is going to be exciting again."

The new Weledeh Catholic school and the search to find a replacement for board superintendent Loretta Foley, who is moving on to other opportunities at the end of the year, are among the most important challenges ahead for those who direct Catholic education in Yellowknife over the next year of their term, O'Sullivan said.

Trustee Larry Purcka arrived at the meeting an ordinary board member and left as vice-chair. Like O'Sullivan, he was acclaimed.

Wednesday's meeting was held at Weledeh Catholic school and board members and staff were brought up to date on the school's activities during an energetic presentation by principal John Murphy. He took them to the school's music room for a performance by Weledeh's choir, premiered a new school newsletter and served as MC as another group of students performed a skit.