The Executive of the BCASBO may grant an annual “Larry Ozero Leadership Award” to a member, selected by the Executive on the basis of membership nominations, who has:

• made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of BCASBO activities at either the provincial or branch/zonal level; or
• by his/her actions and activities, emphasized the importance of and brought significant recognition to the role of school business officials.

Nominations are requested from the membership in the Spring and the award is presented at the Annual General Meeting to a member for outstanding contributions in the pursuit of the highest professional standards of ethics, competence and leadership in school district corporate and business administration, and for the promotion of the highest ethical standards amongst and for our members.

The award is named after Larry Ozero, a former BCASBO President, for his outstanding leadership qualities.

LARRY OZERO BIOGRAPHY
Larry was born and educated in Lake Cowichan, B.C. He studied accounting and business administration at UBC. After a brief career in private business, he joined the Quesnel School District administrative team as the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer and, in the mid 80’s, he was the youngest Secretary-Treasurer in the province at age 32. Larry served as the School District 28 Secretary-Treasurer until the early 1990s, at which time he was given a leave of absence to accept a secondment to the Ministry of Education as an Executive Director to the Deputy Minister. During his leave at the Ministry, Larry was stricken with sciatic cancer, and passed away suddenly, ironically, on the civic election day in November.

Larry had a keen interest in politics and labour relations and served as a candidate in a federal election. He also had a love of fine dining and a very sharp, dry sense of humour.

During his year as President, Larry put the BCSDSTA “on the map.” He worked closely with the Ministry to ensure that the Association was represented on all significant Ministry committees and was seen to be the lead on any committees related to education finance. It was during his tenure that the Association was recognized as a true partner in education in British Columbia and became a major participant in the Sullivan Royal Commission. He brought together Presidents of BCSDSTA, BCSTA, BCTF, BCPVPA and BCSSA to engage in a process of consultation and meaningful communication. He ensured that each branch of the Association played a role by consulting and visiting branch meetings. He also ensured that the Association had an international voice by strengthening the relationship with ASBO.

Larry dreamed big, inspired others, and created a legacy of ethical competency which has endured. His amiable personality, gentle nature and rich sense of humour endeared him to those with whom he worked – his laughter was loudly contagious and his professionalism highly regarded.

He was a true leader who strongly believed that his Association has something to contribute to the children of British Columbia and worked relentlessly to ensure that contribution was both visible and substantive. Larry touched many lives in education and in his private life. Larry continues to be missed by those who knew him.

Thanks to Bob Ingram, Dennis Bosovitch, Dave Lockyer and Wayne Jefferson for their recollections and comments on Larry Ozero.