After serving as chairperson for four years, Trustee Laurae McNally has handed the gavel to fellow Trustee Shawn Wilson, the new head of the Surrey Board of Education.
McNally, who's in her 29th year a Surrey trustee, has been chair since 2008, although she also spent several years in the '80s and '90s leading the board.
At Thursday's public board meeting, she said she's ready for a break from the role.
"I just want to go out to schools and see students and teachers – that's where my heart is," said McNally.
District Supt. Mike McKay lauded her for her "exemplary" leadership, as did her board colleagues.
Wilson has been a board members since 1999 and previously served as chair from 2003 to 2007 and was vice-chair from 2000 to 2003 and 2008 to 2011.
He was acclaimed as chairperson, as was Trustee Laurie Larsen, who was named the new vice-chair.
Board of education chair and vice-chair are elected annually. Trustees may not hold the office of chairperson for more than two consecutive terms, unless the board waves the restriction, as they did with McNally over the past two years.