Governor David 'will be missed'

By nicola taylor newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk

A HEAD teacher has paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of her chairman of governors as he retires after 22 years.

David Bebb was one of the first parent governors on the board of Chelmsford County High School for Girls when his daughter Rachel won a place there in 1988.

Within a matter of months, he was appointed chairman, and has worked with four head teachers, three of whom he appointed.

Mr Bebb, who runs a management consultancy business, said: "I will really miss the school.

"It's a fun place; it has a really happy environment.

"I have always had the best interests of the school at heart. I get a huge buzz from my interaction with the whole school community.

"I admire the pupils; their enthusiasm, passion and the way they are able to work so hard yet still pursue so many outside interests.

"One of my strongest beliefs is that we must never compromise our students and the school must have the best head teacher we can find – even if that means waiting for longer, and searching wider.

"Having a strong leader is vital for the success of a school, and we have been extremely lucky to have some of the best head teachers in the country."

Head teacher Nicole Chapman said: "David has been a part of CCHS for many years.

"His knowledge and experience is highly valued by his fellow governors and members of the school.

"His ability to think and act with sympathy, foresight and his understanding of all issues, his wider experience have truly benefited the staff and students of the school.

"His contributions have been invaluable. He will be greatly missed."

Mr Bebb lives in Hatfield Peverel, which he represents as a councillor for Braintree District Council.

He is married and has two daughters, Rachel, who is a consultant paediatrician in Bristol and Olivia, who is a marketing manager currently based in New Zealand.