Board of Trustees
The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) is comprised of eight publicly-elected trustees, one appointed Algonquin trustee, and two student trustees. Trustee elections are held every four years in November where these positions and other committee memberships are determined.
As advocates for their constituents, RCDSB trustees maintain a strong focus on student achievement, equity and wellbeing. Trustees serve as the link between our communities and our schools to ensure that system-wide decision making continues to meet the diverse needs of all students.
To review past recordings of Board and Committee meetings, click here. For Board and Committee appointments, please click here.
Meet your RCDSB Board of Trustees
Chair, Leo Boland
Jurisdiction
City of Pembroke
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Champlain Discovery P.S.
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Highview P.S.
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Fellowes H.S.
About Leo
Leo moved to Pembroke in the mid-80's to work for the Pembroke General Hospital Ambulance Service and quickly realized that this community would be his "forever home". Leo became involved with the JackRabbit ski program, Toastmasters and found his true calling once his eldest child started at a cooperative nursery school and he became a permanent volunteer. Leo enjoys looking for rare birds, taking digital photos and playing "old dude" hockey.
His spouse and daughter put up with the assorted equipment to support his hobbies and try to restrain his sock and tie choices.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2301
Email: bolandl2@rcdsb.on.ca
Vice Chair, Susan Humphries
Jurisdiction
Renfrew; Greater Madawaska; Horton
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Central P.S.
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Queen Elizabeth P.S.
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Renfrew Collegiate I.S.
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Renfrew Collegiate Institute
About Susan
Susan worked for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for over 35 years and brings a variety of skills to the Board table including: strategic planning, communications, an understanding of organizations and governance as well as experience working with adult learners.
Following retirement, Susan became a trustee with the Ontario 4-H Foundation (retired after 6 years) and a public member on the Horton Township General Government Committee. She also taught courses on communications and critical thinking for Algonquin College in Pembroke, and served as the RCDSB Board of Trustees Chair from 2018-2020. She also sits on a scholarship selection committee with the Canadian Federation of University Women-Renfrew Club and is a strong advocate for education for all students especially women and girls.
After returning to the Valley from London Ontario, Susan and her husband Doug continue to be long-time residents of Horton Township and the Town of Renfrew. Her hobbies include being an active member of her church choir, golfing, traveling, renovating, time at the cottage with friends and visiting their children and grandchildren.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2302
Email: humphriess@rcdsb.on.ca
Trustee, Dave Dobson

Jurisdiction
Whitewater Region; Admaston Bromley
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Cobden P.S.
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Beachburg P.S.
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Admaston P.S.
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Fellowes H.S.
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Opeongo H.S.
Remembering Trustee Dave Dobson
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Trustee Dave Dobson. Dave, a dedicated educator, coach, and advocate, passed away this weekend. His commitment to education and his passion for athletics, especially volleyball, were evident throughout his life and career.
Born and raised on a dairy farm near Cobden, Dave graduated from Opeongo High School before pursuing his academic journey at Carleton University and the University of Toronto. He spent 28 years teaching high school and coaching volleyball in Oshawa, earning numerous accolades including the prestigious 3M Award for Coaching Excellence in Canada, induction into the Durham College Hall of Fame for founding its volleyball program, and a nomination for the Governor General Award for Teaching Excellence.
Upon returning to the area, he continued his passion for coaching, working with volleyball teams at Opeongo High School, volunteering in the community, and serving as a local bus driver.
Dave was a staunch advocate for school staff and students, always championing their success. His leadership and unwavering support for public education made him a vital part of our community. He was also deeply passionate about mentoring students and fostering leadership programs to help them succeed in life. As a Trustee, Dave was a constant supporter of his fellow Trustees, Executive Council and all RCDSB staff, always with the students’ best interests at heart.
All flags will be flown at half-mast at all schools and administrative buildings in his honour until further notice. Dave’s legacy will be one of kindness, humility, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Fraser-Morris & Heubner Funeral Home confirmed that they will be posting service arrangements on their website later this week.
Please join us in keeping Dave’s friends and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Trustee, Kim Dougherty

Jurisdiction
Arnprior; McNab-Braeside
- A.J. Charbonneau P.S.
- Walter Zadow P.S.
- McNab P.S.
- Arnprior District H.S.
About Kim
Kim is the proud mother of two kids attending RCDSB schools, which was hugely influential in her decision to run for the position of trustee.
Following her graduation from Carleton University with a BA in Law, Kim moved to Calgary where she began her career as a social worker. For many years, Kim worked with at-risk youth in group homes, youth shelters, and children in the foster care system.
Since moving back to Arnprior to be closer to her family, Kim is a stay-at-home mom who volunteers locally at community service clubs, youth activity clubs, and in the classroom/library at her children’s school.
Kim believes her experience advocating for at-risk youth will be an asset in her role as trustee, and she looks forward to serving RCDSB students and school communities this term.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2304
Email: doughertyk@rcdsb.on.ca
Trustee, Mike Guenette
Jurisdiction
Laurentian Valley; North Algona Wilberforce
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Champlain Discovery P.S.
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Rockwood P.S.
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Cobden P.S.
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Fellowes H.S.
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Opeongo H.S.
About Mike
Mike retired in June 2017 after 33 years as a School Support Counsellor with the RCDSB, most of his career spent at Fellowes High School. He also spent several years in the elementary system at the former Hillcrest and Westmeath, and at the Cobden District Public School.
Mike and his family enjoy getting together at the cottage, and he especially enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and spending quality time relaxing at the beach with a great campfire.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2305
Email: guenettem@rcdsb.on.ca
Trustee, David Kaiser
Jurisdiction
Bonnechere Valley; Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards; Madawaska Valley; Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan; South Algonquin
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Killaloe P.S.
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Palmer Rapids P.S.
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Sherwood P.S.
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Whitney P.S.
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Eganville and District P.S.
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Madawaska Valley District H.S.
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Opeongo H.S.
About David
A graduate of Fellowes High School, David attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Currently he works at Sysco Food Services Ontario Inc. as an Account Specialist.
David has been a trustee since 2000 and has served as Board Chairperson for two complete terms. He is married with three daughters and five grandchildren. His hobbies are playing golf in the summer and hockey with his grandsons in winter. He can also be found cheering on the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Blue Jays and New England Patriots! As a Trustee his goals are to help support the best public education opportunities for students.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2306
Email: kaiserd@rcdsb.on.ca
Trustee, Karthi Rajamani
Jurisdiction
Town of Petawawa; Garrison Petawawa
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Herman Street P.S.
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Pine View P.S.
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Valour JK-12 School
About Karthi
Karthi Rajamani brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a passion for serving the community to the Renfrew County District School Board of Trustees. Drawing on her extensive work experiences, in governance, education, libraries and data management, she brings important skills including teamwork, public relations, technical knowledge, and a diverse perspective. Her expertise in strategic financial management, budgeting, fundraising, and partnership building has contributed to the success of countless projects and initiatives. She is poised to tackle this new challenge with dedication, insight, and a drive to make meaningful contributions to the RCDSB's vision.
Throughout Karthi's career spanning various school boards as well as academic, public, and special libraries; a commitment to promoting literacy, diversity, and inclusive environments has been paramount. She has demonstrated exceptional community-building skills. Karthi brings a deep understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion not only for community building but also the economic development and growth it brings.
Karthi's commitment to community service is further exemplified through her involvement in various community partnerships and awards; including the Renfrew County Warden's Award, co-chairing the Local Immigration Partnership program and Pembroke’s Diversity Committee. Her proven track record in education, library management, and community development makes her a strong advocate for the children of today who will be the citizens of tomorrow.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2307
Email: rajamanik@rcdsb.on.ca
Trustee, Jodie Primeau

Jurisdiction
Deep River; Town of Laurentian Hills; Head, Clara and Maria
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Mackenzie Community School
About Jodie
Jodie Primeau is a lawyer, mother, triathlete, and owner of the first feminist firm in Renfrew County. After practicing in private practice in Ottawa and Kingston, then working for Queen's University, Jodie returned to the Valley to provide accessible legal services in rural communities.
In 2019, she founded Primeau Law Professional Corporation – Deep River's first female-run firm. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she bought her first commercial building and gave birth to her daughter, whom she is proudly single-parenting. By 2021, she tripled her firm size while creating learning opportunities and student jobs for high school, post-secondary, and law school students.
Outside of her career, she is an avid volunteer and community member. She competed for Canada as an age-group triathlete in the 2017 World Triathlon Championships and created local not-for-profit coaching and training groups for novice runners and triathletes. Jodie enjoys community theatre, playing with her band at local venues, teaching spin classes and writing articles for the local community newspaper.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2308
Email: primeaujj@rcdsb.on.ca
Indigenous Trustee, Christina Ruddy

Jurisdiction
Renfrew County District School Board (All Schools)
About Christina
As a proud Algonquin woman of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Christina has spent her career working to empower Indigenous youth through education, art, and role modeling. She has worked in grass roots movements such as Friendship Centres, in post-secondary institutions such as Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, with Lakehead University, and in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Education. Since returning to the Ottawa Valley in 2012, she has become a passionate advocate for reconciliation in the National Capital Region.
Christina’s dedication to the preservation of Indigenous culture has resulted in many successful events and projects. Through empowering Indigenous youth to celebrate their identity, language, and culture made visible in their daily lives, she embodies the tradition of passing on culture and the skills needed to preserve it to the younger generations.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2309
Email: ruddyc1@rcdsb.on.ca
Student Trustee,
Grace Ding
About Grace
Grace is a grade 12 student at Mackenzie Community School in Deep River.
In grade 7, Grace taught herself to sew her own clothing. Her love for fashion led her to join and run her high school’s costume department in the Theatre Arts Company. In her second year of theatre, she took on additional leadership roles as an Executive Director and Producer. During these two years, Grace also served as the Co-President of her school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), where she discovered her passion for social activism and equality.
Throughout her term as a Student Trustee, she plans to promote youth equity and well-being to create a more united community.
Email: dingg@student.rcdsb.on.ca
Student Trustee,
Sydney Dougherty
About Sydney
Sydney is a grade 11 student at Arnprior District High School.
One of Sydney's passions is volunteering around her town and at her school, as of now she has over 250 volunteer hours from many different organizations such as The Dementia Society, Million Dollar Smiles, Special Olympics, and a local summer camp. In grade 9 Sydney joined her school's student council, during the past 3 years she has served as a grade representative, community service minister, and spirit minister. Sydney is also a Fundraising coach this year on the Relay for Life committee; she is also on the morning announcements where she found her love for broadcasting and public speaking which she plans to pursue after university.
Throughout Sydney's term as student trustee she plans on focusing on mental health and equity!
Student Senate
The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) has a Student Senate that acts as the official advisory body for our secondary school councils.
The Senate membership consists of two student-elected representatives from each of our seven secondary schools, which make up the 14 Student Senate members each school year.
The student representatives serve as an advisory body and planning committee for all student related issues within the RCDSB and report directly to the two elected Student Trustees who co-chair the Senate.
The Senate meets every month at the Board office, or virtually if meeting in-person is not possible.
Additional Resources
Below are links to additional resources with information on the topic referenced above. The RCDSB, other government departments (provincial or federal) or third-party organizations may provide these additional resources: