Friday, May 23, 2025
For Immediate Release
RCDSB Welcomes MPP Billy Denault for Ontario Public
School Boards’ Association’s Take Your MPP to School Day
Renfrew County, Ontario - Take Your MPP To School Day is a province-wide Ontario
Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) initiative that invites Members of the
Provincial Parliament to visit a local school in their riding. Taking place May 20-23, 2025
the week raises awareness among MPPs of the successes and challenges in public
education and builds upon the good relationships between government leaders and
school boards.
Today, MPP Billy Denault (Algonquin-Renfrew-Pembroke) visited Renfrew Collegiate
Institute in Renfrew, Ontario. Board Chair Leo Boland, Vice Chair and local Trustee
Susan Humphries, Director of Education Kristen Niemi, Principal Neil Farmer and other
RCDSB staff focused the MPP’s visit on the District’s Inspired Learning Framework
which emphasizes experiential learning through learning partnerships. The topic aligns
with the provincial government's commitment to core skills and the skilled trades.
"It was a pleasure to host and tour MPP Denault at Renfrew Collegiate Institute," says
Leo Boland, Board Chair. “Billy’s enthusiasm for experiential learning matched the
passion of students and staff he met with today. We value his continued support and
interest in the achievement and well-being of students and staff at the Renfrew County
District School Board.”
Collaboration between school board trustees and provincial leaders who fund and make
policy for the province is necessary to ensure the growth and success of our exceptional
public school system. It’s also an opportunity to showcase the amazing students, staff,
and programs happening in local schools, as well as the local realities of education in
our communities.
“Our public schools are where students are inspired and develop the skills needed to be
successful members of our communities.” said Director Niemi, “Today we saw on
display the difference that experiential learning can make for students and their
success.”
RCDSB appreciates the leadership of OPSBA for this advocacy initiative and is
especially grateful to MPP Billy Denault for his enthusiasm and interest in supporting
student learning and public education.
1270 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, Ontario
K8A 4G4
613.735.0151
@RCDSB
Pictured in this photo are students from the Food Recovery Pilot Program at Renfrew
Collegiate Institute with MPP Billy Denault, Chair Leo Boland and Vice Chair Susan
Humphries.
For more information including additional photos, please contact:
Kristen Niemi
Director of Education
[email protected]