RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
RCDSB Welcomes MPP John Yakabuski for Ontario School Board Association's Take Your MPP to School Day

Take Your MPP To School Day is a province-wide Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) initiative that invites Members of the Provincial Parliament to visit a local school in their riding. Taking place May 21-24, 2024 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. 

MPP John Yakabuski (Renfrew - Nipissing - Pembroke) visited Opeongo High School in Douglas, Ontario. Board Chair, Susan Humphries, together with local trustee Dave Dobson, Director of Education Kristen Niemi, and members of the senior team and school staff focused the MPP's visit on the technical arts program. The topic compliments the government's commitment to enhancing skilled trades education at secondary schools as one part of the solution to support the community and provinces' labour needs.

"It was a pleasure to host and tour MPP Yakabuski at Opeongo High School," says Susan Humphries, Board Chair. "John's enthusiasm for the skilled trades mirrored the passion of the staff and students 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 secondary schools are where students are inspired and build the skills needed to enter the workforce." said Kristen Niemi, "Today we saw on display the dedication in the trades classrooms, as well as the investments needed to meet the demands of today and into the future." 

RCDSB appreciates the leadership of OPSBA for this advocacy initiative and is especially grateful to MPP John Yakabuski for his enthusiasm and interest in supporting skilled trade programs and public education.