TVDSB trustee involved in controversial websites resigns
Jake Skinner, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) trustee representing five wards, has announced his resignation in the middle of his term.
Skinner was first elected in 2014 to represent wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13.
In a letter to the board Skinner said, “After careful thought, I have decided to resign my seat…It has been a pleasure to serve the TVDSB community and I wish our administrative team, as well as the Board of Trustees, every success in building each student’s tomorrow, every day."
A special meeting of the board will be held Wednesday night to determine a process for selecting Skinner’s replacement.
Both the board chair and director of education thanked Skinner for his service and advocacy.
“We sincerely thank Jake for his years of service and commitment to public education,” said Chair Lori-Ann Pizzolato. “I know that all Trustees will miss his keen insights and his dedication to student achievement and well-being.”
Skinner was no stranger to controversy though.
He was working at lobbying firm Blackridge Strategy during a municipal election scandal in 2018 over a pair of attack websites.
He later apologized for his role in the websites that targeted council candidates and left the firm.
A Code of Conduct investigation by the board found "insufficient evidence" he breached the code.
- With files from CTV News London's Matt Thompson and Daryl Newcombe
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.