ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS' ASSOCIATION
OPSBA Executive Council Set For 2025-26 - 2025 OPSBA Award Winners Announced

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that Trustee Jan Johnstone of the Bluewater DSB was elected First Vice-President for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year and the 2025-26 school year at its Annual Meeting held on June 13 in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

First Vice-President Johnstone steps into the role after the resignation of Kathryn Pierroz, who had served as First Vice-President since July 2024. She will serve the Association alongside President Kathleen Woodcock of the Waterloo Region District School Board and Second Vice-President Michelle Aarts of the Toronto District School Board until the 2026 OPSBA Annual Meeting next June.

OPSBA's Executive Council/leadership team for the 2025-26 school year will also include: Cathy Abraham, Past President (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board); Jaine Klassen Jeninga, Regional Chair, Central East Region (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board); Donna Danielli, Regional Chair, Central West Region (Halton District School Board); Susan Humphries, Regional Chair, Eastern Region (Renfrew County District School Board); Bill Steer, Regional Chair, Northern Region (Near North District School Board); Arlene Morell, Regional Chair, Western Region (Thames Valley District School Board); Deborah Williams, Enrolment Representative (Toronto District School Board); David Green, Enrolment Representative (Peel District School Board); Elaine Johnston, Chair of the Indigenous Trustees' Council (Algoma District School Board); and Debbie King, Chair of the Black Trustees' Caucus (Toronto District School Board).

2025 OPSBA Awards

Each year, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association honours individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of education. The recipients of these awards represent the many who contribute to the creativity and hard work that make our schools and education system world-leading.

President's Award
The President's Award recognizes 25 years of service in public education as a trustee. This year's recipient is Trustee Donna Armstrong, Simcoe County DSB.

Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit and Certificate of Recognition

The winners of these student awards are selected based on a sound academic record throughout their career, accompanied by outstanding community service and leadership. This year's Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit was presented to Aiesha Hindle, Kirkland Lake District Composite School, Indigenous Student Trustee, DSB Ontario North East. Aiesha is a resilient and passionate leader who has championed Indigenous student voice, culture, and leadership. Her advocacy, initiatives, and inclusive vision have created lasting impact at DSB ONE and her dedication to reconciliation, equity, and student empowerment make her a deserving nominee for the Jack A. MacDonald Award.

Dr. Harry Paikin Memorial Award

This award is given to an active or retired public school trustee for outstanding service. This year's recipients are:

Cathy Abraham, Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB

Cathy Abraham has dedicated over two decades to the betterment of Ontario's public education system. As a long-serving trustee, the longest-serving OPSBA president (2018-2024), Canadian School Boards Association board member, and community leader, she has continuously advocated for student success, inclusive policies, and educational excellence.

Shelley Laskin, Toronto DSB

Shelley Laskin, a six-term Toronto DSB Trustee, has profoundly influenced education policy through decades of advocacy, leadership, and public service. Her work spans equity, reconciliation, governance, and community engagement. A tireless champion for inclusive public education, Shelley exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit.

Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, York Region DSB

Dr. Sinclair brings over 30 years of educational leadership rooted in equity, excellence, and student success. A lifelong advocate for inclusive learning and community engagement, her impact spans three OPSBA member boards, from her time teaching in the Toronto DSB, through to her work as a Superintendent of Education at the Peel DSB, and currently as a long-serving York Region DSB trustee.

Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award

The Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award is given to an active or retired member of the teaching profession for outstanding contribution to education in Ontario. This year's recipient is Laura Gonzalez, Volunteer Teacher, Thames Valley DSB. Laura stands out as an exceptional volunteer whose unwavering dedication to education, students, and community engagement has left an indelible mark on schools and communities within Thames Valley. Her exemplary leadership and tireless advocacy for students and education have been evident in her various volunteer roles within the Thames Valley district and beyond. Arriving in London from Mexico 16 years ago, Laura immediately immersed herself in the School Council at Jeanne Sauvé Public School.

OPSBA Award of Excellence

The OPSBA Award of Excellence is presented by an OPSBA member board to volunteers for outstanding, exemplary and/or unique contributions to the overall well-being of the school or community through in-school, board-wide, extra-curricular and/or volunteer activity. This year's recipient is Mehrdad Safizadeh, Simcoe County DSB. Mehrdad is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusive education in the Simcoe County DSB. As Vice-Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee and Chair of the Equity Advisory Committee, he has strengthened parent engagement, championed inclusive policies, and supported newcomer families - making a lasting impact on student success and school community well-being.