NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Danny Di Lorenzo and Rhianon Burkholder acclaimed as 2026 Chair and Vice-Chair at annual organizational meeting

Niagara Catholic's Chair and Vice-Chair remain unchanged for 2026, following the acclamation of Danny Di Lorenzo and Rhianon Burkholder to their respective roles. Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder have retained these positions since the Annual Organizational Meeting following the 2022 Municipal Election. Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder were acclaimed to their positions for the coming year during Niagara Catholic's Annual Organizational Meeting at the Catholic Education Centre November 25.

In his opening remarks, Chair Di Lorenzo spoke passionately about the importance of Catholic school trustees in the successful operation of school boards.

"Tonight, it is impossible to speak about Catholic education without acknowledging the conversations happening across Ontario - conversations driven by Bill 33 and by commentary in the media suggesting that the role of trustees should be diminished or eliminated," said Chair Di Lorenzo. "Some have even gone so far as to paint all 72 boards with the same brush, implying dysfunction across the province and questioning the value elected trustees bring to education. Let me be very clear. These generalizations do not reflect the Niagara Catholic District School Board. They do not reflect our governance. They do not reflect our conduct. And they do not reflect our service to students and families."

Vice-Chair Burkholder spoke about the shifting landscape of education in Ontario, affirming that students will remain the focus for Niagara Catholic's Board of Trustees.

"We all know that this is a time of significant change and challenge within the Ministry of Education," said Vice-Chair Burkholder. "New expectations, shifting priorities, and ongoing pressures can make the work feel heavy at times. But despite all of this, I remain genuinely happy - and deeply committed - to serving our community.

Because in the midst of policies, budgets, and headlines, we cannot lose sight of who we are here for. Our students.

The children and youth across Niagara who walk into our schools every single day ready to learn, ready to grow, ready to contribute something meaningful to the world. They are the reason we do this work. And they remind us, constantly, of the hope and promise that exists in every classroom."

Director of Education Camillo Cipriano congratulated Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder on being returned for fourth terms.

"I am again pleased to congratulate Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder on being returned as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the coming year," said Director Cipriano. "For the past three years, Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder have been strong advocates for students, staff, and families across Niagara Catholic, and for Catholic education across Ontario. They have maintained wise financial stewardship of the board, while supporting the programs, supports, and services required for 21st century learners. I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship with Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder, and all members of Niagara Catholic's Board of Trustees, throughout 2026."

Photo ID:

Back from left: Student Trustee Mason Pasma, Trustee Larry Huibers, trustee Joseph Bruzzese, Trustee Jim Marino, Trustee Douglas Joyner, Student Trustee Taylor Sexton, Trustee Paul Turner.
In front, from left: Vice-Chair Rhianon Burkholder, Chair Danny Di Lorenzo, Director of Education Camillo Cipriano
Trustee Natalia Benoit was absent when the photo was taken.