A longtime school trustee for the Orillia area is calling it a day.
Francis Smith, who represents Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn, has announced his resignation as trustee with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, a position he has held for 26 years.
“It’s time to put a younger person in there who’s got more energy,” said Smith, 80.
Smith has seen many changes and advancements during his time as trustee, including the construction of a number of new schools in the area.
His experience attending a one-room school in the former Mara Township played a part in sparking his passion for education. At that time, not only was running water not available at the school, but there also weren’t specialized programs, including special education, like there are today.
“I wanted to make sure my kids had a better opportunity than I did,” he said.
Smith’s history of service to the community goes beyond his time with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. He spent the previous four years with a private board in Barrie.
Prior to that, he had served as acting chief of Orillia’s former city police force and was a city councillor. He lent his efforts to a mayor’s task force to bring Lakehead University to town.
He also sat on the boards for Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Overall, about 60 years of his life have been spent in the public service, and his reason for dedicating so much time to it is simple: “I enjoyed helping people and trying to improve the community,” he said.
Some of his most fulfilling time was as a coach with local sports teams.
Smith said he didn’t plan on staying on as a trustee as long as he has.
“The last battle with COVID has been quite a problem in the education system, so I decided to stay on,” he said.
Smith’s resignation will take effect Dec. 31. He said the board will appoint a replacement for him rather than go through a byelection.
He has some advice for whoever becomes his successor.
“Sit and listen and learn,” he said. “Don’t jump in with both feet and say you’re going to change the system overnight. It just doesn’t work.”
Smith now plans to enjoy spending more time with his wife.
“She’s had to put up with a lot over the years with me being away at night for meetings,” he said.
In a statement posted to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board website, education director Frances Bagley said Smith “has been an integral part of our organization for so many years that it’s difficult to remember a time when he wasn’t proudly speaking up for the value of Catholic education.
“Francis was one of the first trustees of our board as we know it today, and has since witnessed our board’s tremendous growth, with great pride. He has always been a tireless advocate for inclusive and quality Catholic education, during sometimes difficult times.
“He has capably held many roles over his 26 year career including chair, vice-chair, and chair of many committees. Perhaps a highlight of his time with our board was when St. Pope John Paul II visited Midland and the Martyrs’ Shrine in September 1984 — Francis was on the organizing committee for this incredibly special event.
“The conscientious and caring approach with which Francis carried out his duties as trustee will certainly be missed, as will the man himself. On behalf of all those whose paths crossed his, I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation and blessings for a happy future. Francis will always have friends at our board — at the Catholic Education Centre, Academic Services, and in our schools.”
Board chair Joe Zerdin said Smith “has always embraced his role as a board trustee, fully recognizing the important role our trustees play as stewards of Catholic education in the province of Ontario. He represented the areas of Orillia, Ramara, Severn, and Oro-Medonte, and took great delight in the achievements of the staff and students at those schools.”
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