The new president at the secondary level for the local chapter of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is looking forward to the opportunity.
As heard on AM800 news last Friday, Joe Brannagan has replaced Brian Hogan, after Hogan announced his retirement after 18-years as president.
Brannagan says the two have worked side-by-side for the past two-years and he has a good understanding what his job and roles are.
He says it's an exciting opportunity.
"I was in the office with Brian, Brian Hogan for two years, got to work with him and have a good understanding on what's going to be going on and what my job is and what my role is," says Brannagan. "Jody Meloche is my first vice, she's very capable so we're looking forward to it.)
He says he will work hard for the membership.
"Just keep doing what we've been doing. Work with the board, try and make the learning environment for the students better by making sure that everything for teachers and administration works well," he says. " Keeping lines of communication open and making sure that everybody's interests are taken into account, not just one side or there other."
He says there will not be contract talks for the next couple of years.
We had the extension last year right so 2019, probably by the time provincial gets done, it comes back down here so maybe 2020," says Brannagan. "Good vision there but that's probably what we're looking at."
Brannagan says he will continue to rely on Hogan.
He says Hogan is experienced and the two talked a number of times over the summer about the transition.