At the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) meeting held on November 26, Leo Boland from Pembroke was elected as the new Chair of the Board, and Susan Humphries from Renfrew, Horton, and Greater Madawaska was appointed as Vice-Chair for the upcoming year.
Leo Boland, who had previously served as Vice-Chair, brings a wealth of experience to the position of Chair. His election ensures continuity in leadership as the Board moves forward into the new year. Susan Humphries, the outgoing Chair, transitions into the role of Vice-Chair, further strengthening the leadership team at RCDSB.
Chair Boland expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of working collaboratively with Vice-Chair Humphries and the rest of the dedicated team of trustees. “It is a privilege to step into this leadership role and continue working alongside Vice-Chair Humphries and our dedicated team of trustees,” he said. “We remain committed to fostering student achievement, equity, and well-being. I look forward to building on our collective efforts to ensure success for all students and strengthening the connections between our schools and communities.”
Vice-Chair Humphries echoed Boland’s sentiment: “It is an honour to serve in this new capacity and continue contributing to the success of our students and schools. I look forward to collaborating with Chair Boland and the entire Board as we address opportunities and challenges with a shared commitment to excellence in education.”
The RCDSB Board of Trustees comprises nine publicly elected and two student trustees. These trustees represent various areas across Renfrew County, ensuring that the diverse voices of local communities are heard in the decision-making process. The returning trustees include Christina Ruddy, the Indigenous Trustee, who represents all schools in the district, as well as Mike Guenette from Laurentian Valley and North Algona Wilberforce, David Kaiser representing Bonnechere Valley, Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards, Madawaska Valley, Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan, and South Algonquin, Karthi Rajamani from Petawawa, David Dobson from Whitewater Region and Admaston Bromley Townships, Kim Dougherty from Arnprior and McNab-Braeside Townships, and Jodie Primeau from Deep River, Town of Laurentian Hills, and Head, Clara, and Maria.
The student trustees for the upcoming year are Grace Ding, who is returning for her final year from Mackenzie Community School, and Sydney Dougherty, who begins her first year as a student trustee from Arnprior District High School.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
