RCDSB Welcomes MPP Billy Denault for Ontario Public School Boards’ Association’s Take Your MPP to School Week at Beachburg Public School

(Left to right): Sarah Macphee, Principal of K-12 Curriculum, RCDSB; Jennny Smith, Superintendent of Education, RCDSB; Margo Smith, Director of Children's Services, County of Renfrew; Ian Covell, Principal, Beachburg Public School; Leo Boland, Chair, RCDSB; Billy Denault, Member of Provincial Parliament; Cathy Regier, Deputy Mayor, Township of Whitewater Region; Roger Clarke, Vice Chair, RCDSB

BEACHBURG, ON — The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) welcomed MPP Billy Denault (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) to Beachburg Public School today as part of Take Your MPP to School Week, a provincewide initiative of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA).

Running May 19-22, 2026, the annual event invites Members of Provincial Parliament to visit a local school in their riding, building awareness of the successes and challenges in public education and strengthening the relationship between school boards and government.

Board Chair Leo Boland, Vice Chair Roger Clarke, Superintendent of Education Jenny Smith, Principal Ian Covell and other RCDSB staff joined representatives from the Township of Whitewater Region and the County of Renfrew for the visit. Discussions focused on two community priorities: Kindergarten, including the revised curriculum to be implemented in September 2026, and the growing need for child care spaces across Renfrew County, including the Whitewater Region.

Starting in September 2026, RCDSB will implement a revised Kindergarten curriculum that balances explicit instruction in language, math and science with play-based and inquiry-based learning. On child care, the Township of Whitewater Region has expressed interest in establishing a centre at Beachburg Public School, and the board discussed the Ministry of Education's Capital Priorities Application process as a potential funding pathway.

"It was a privilege to welcome MPP Denault to Beachburg Public School today," said Board Chair Leo Boland. "These conversations between elected officials and local school communities are essential. We value his continued interest in the well-being and achievement of students across Renfrew County."

"Today’s visit is a celebration of public education and we are proud of the students and staff in RCDSB,” said Kristen Niemi, Chief Executive Officer for Renfrew County District School Board. "It was wonderful for MPP Denault to see our Kindergarten classes in action and also discuss as a larger group what our communities need to thrive."

RCDSB appreciates the ongoing support of MPP Denault, the County of Renfrew, the Township of Whitewater Region and the Ontario Public School Boards Association.

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