The chair of the Toronto District School Board has resigned so he can focus on his federal election campaign.
Shaun Chen announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as TDSB chair. Chen will also be taking a leave of absence from his job as a TDSB trustee as he runs for the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Ward 21 (Scarborough-Rouge River) trustee is running as the Liberal candidate in the federal riding of Scarborough North. The riding is currently held by NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan, elected in 2011 with 35 per cent of the vote.
In a letter to the board, Chen wrote that he will not accept any salary during his campaign.
"Since becoming Chair last year, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with an incredibly dedicated Board of Trustees," Chen wrote.
"Your continued support has been invaluable."
Vice-Chair Sheila Cary-Meagher will take over Chen's duties on the board on a temporary basis, TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird said.
Cary-Meagher will take over until a time that trustees can come together to elect a new chair, expected in the near future.
