The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) is comprised of eight publicly-elected trustees, one appointed
Algonquin trustee, and three 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.
Chair, Leo Boland
Jurisdiction
City of Pembroke
- Champlain Discovery P.S.
- Highview P.S.
- 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: [email protected]
Vice Chair, Roger Clarke
Jurisdiction
Whitewater Region; Admaston Bromley
- Cobden P.S.
- Beachburg P.S.
- Admaston P.S.
- Fellowes H.S.
- Opeongo H.S.
About Roger
Roger retired in February 2017 after 33 years as an educator with the RCDSB. He has held a number of
leadership positions and feels blessed to have worked with so many exceptional educators and support staff
at RCDSB.
Since his retirement, Roger has provided private consulting for several organizations and businesses in the
education sector. In addition, he served for three years as Vice-President, K-20 for the Canadian
Publishers' Council.
He is married with three children and is the proud 'Papa' of four grandchildren. His hobbies include reading,
traveling, golfing, bike riding, rowing and spending quality time with family and friends.
His passion for education stems from his belief that a quality education transforms lives through engagement
with students and making authentic connections.
Phone Number: 613-735-0151 ext 2303
Email: [email protected]
Indigenous Trustee, Vacant
Jurisdiction
Renfrew County District School Board (All Schools)
Trustee, Susan Humphries
Jurisdiction
Renfrew; Greater Madawaska; Horton
- Central P.S.
- Queen Elizabeth P.S.
- Renfrew Collegiate I.S.
- 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Trustee, Mike Guenette
Jurisdiction
Laurentian Valley; North Algona Wilberforce
- Champlain Discovery P.S.
- Rockwood P.S.
- Cobden P.S.
- Fellowes H.S.
- 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: [email protected]
Trustee, David Kaiser
Jurisdiction
Bonnechere Valley; Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards; Madawaska Valley; Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan; South
Algonquin
- Killaloe P.S.
- Palmer Rapids P.S.
- Whitney P.S.
- Eganville and District P.S.
- Madawaska Valley District H.S.
- 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: [email protected]
Trustee, Jodie Primeau
Jurisdiction
Deep River; Town of Laurentian Hills; Head, Clara and Maria
- 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: [email protected]
Trustee, Karthi Rajamani
Jurisdiction
Town of Petawawa; Garrison Petawawa
- Herman Street P.S.
- Pine View P.S.
- 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: [email protected]
Student Trustee,
Bronwynn Dick
About Bronwynn
Bronwynn is a grade 11 student at Opeongo High School in Douglas.
In grade 9 Bronwynn joined Opeongo's Student Council; with this new door opened, Bronwynn wanted to see how
she could help out her school and community more. Bronwynn currently volunteers wherever she can across
Renfrew County and assists in the planning of events for Opeongo to make them accessible and enjoyable.
During the past two years of working with Opeongo's Student Council and the community in Renfrew County,
Bronwynn has discovered a strong passion for social justice and activism.
Throughout her term as Student Trustee, Bronwynn intends to advocate for equality and enhance the connections
between schools and their local communities.
Email: [email protected]
Student Trustee,
Sydney Dougherty
About Sydney
Sydney is a grade 12 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!
Email: [email protected]
Indigenous Student Trustee,
Emma Grant
About Emma
Emma is a grade 9 student at Mackenzie Highschool.
Emma is a motivated Grade 9 student who demonstrates strong leadership, academic achievement, and community
commitment. She previously served on the elementary student council and currently represents her school on
the
high school athletic student council. As a student athlete, Emma participates in numerous school and
community
teams. In Grade 8, she achieved Honour Roll status and received the Staff Award for her dedication and
positive
attitude. Emma has also completed over 100 volunteer hours before grade 10 and values giving back to her
community. She is especially dedicated to promoting Indigenous voices and perspectives and strives to be a
respectful, responsible, and engaged role model for her peers.
Email: [email protected]