LIMESTONE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
LDSB mourns the passing of Trustee Judith Brown

It is with very heavy hearts that the Limestone District School Board announces the passing of Trustee Judith Brown, on October 11, 2024. The Board of Trustees and Limestone staff extend sincere condolences to Judi's family and friends and the students and schools she served.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Trustee Brown, whose unwavering commitment to student success and advocacy for Black voice within our schools and community leaves a lasting legacy," states Board Chair Robin Hutcheon. "Judith offered dignity and order, consensus and compromise, and recognition of diversity in an exemplary fashion." Chair Hutcheon adds, "She was always prepared and offered a wise voice and a calm manner to the Board table. After sometimes lengthy debate, when Judith spoke and shared her reasoning, her fellow trustees listened, and a sound decision was made."

"Judith offered dignity and order, consensus and compromise, and recognition of diversity in an exemplary fashion."
Board Chair Robin Hutcheon

Director of Education Krishna Burra describes Trustee Brown as a passionate leader who believed in creating learning environments where every student felt welcome, safe, and supported. "Her dedication to equity and inclusion helped shape our district for the better, and her contributions will continue to inspire us. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her."

Trustee Brown was first elected in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 with an impressive 45% of votes. Trustee Brown was a mentor, leader, and change-maker in the City of Kingston, and worked tirelessly to advocate for, and raise the voices of the Black community within Limestone and throughout the larger community. The Limestone District School Board has benefited from her wisdom and experience, and her student-centered leadership.

Trustee Brown was in her second term representing Loyalist-Cataraqui, Collins-Bayridge and Lakeside Districts in the City of Kingston that include Bayridge Secondary School, Bayridge Public School, Cataraqui Woods Elementary School, Collins Bay Public School, W.J. Holsgrove Public School, Lancaster Drive Public School, and Lord Strathcona Public School. From 2018 to 2022, Trustee Brown also represented the Frontenac Secondary School Family of Schools including R.G. Sinclair Public School, Welborne Avenue Public School, J.R. Henderson Public School, and Module de l'Acadie.

Trustee Brown was recognized for her tenure by the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) and was presented with the Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit for outstanding service as a public school trustee in 2022 and was a member of the OPSBA's first Black Caucus.

She was also a recipient of the prestigious Queen's University Alumni Association Jim Bennett Achievement Award in 2019. This recognition is highly deserving of her role in advancing ethnic and racial inclusion, and for being a long-time champion for change in Kingston, at Queen's University and here at Limestone.

The LDSB Education Centre (board office) and the Bayridge SS and Frontenac SS Families of Schools will fly their flags at half-mast until further notice. A Book of Condolence will be available for signing in the lobby of the Education Centre.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Trustee Brown will be missed.

Obituary of Mrs. Judith E. Brown