Second Trustee Resigns from Windsor-Essex School Board Amid Controversy

UPDATE: A second trustee has resigned from the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), escalating concerns about governance just a year before general elections. Nancy Armstrong submitted her resignation, effective November 7, 2023, citing alarming revelations from committee meetings regarding the controversial naming process of a Kingsville school.

Armstrong’s resignation is set to be discussed during the board meeting on November 18, 2023. In her letter, she expressed deep concern over the use of board funds for a restorative justice process, which she described as a “performance” rather than a genuine effort to support students. She stated, “Trustees who were already aware of this information nevertheless chose to spend board funds — resources meant to support students in the classroom — on a restorative justice process that, now, in my view would be little more than a performance.”

This latest resignation adds to the turmoil within the board, as Ron LeClair also stepped down last month, citing similar governance issues. Almost a year ago, Sarah Cipkar resigned under contentious circumstances, highlighting ongoing instability within the board.

Armstrong’s tenure was marred by previous sanctions following her public criticism of the naming process for the newly established Erie Migration District School. The school name, initially met with community backlash, was not among the recommended names and sparked significant outrage, including a student walkout. Armstrong referred to the naming process as “morally and ethically bankrupt” during an area podcast, leading to her sanction by the board for breaches of the trustee code of conduct.

In her resignation letter, Armstrong emphasized her commitment to integrity and transparency, stating, “These values are not optional — they are the foundation of public trust and ethical governance. When those principles are compromised, continuing to serve becomes inconsistent with conscience and duty.”

The GECDSB has yet to finalize plans to fill the vacancies left by Armstrong and LeClair, as the board prepares for upcoming elections scheduled for October 26, 2026. The urgency surrounding this leadership crisis raises questions about the future direction of the board and its ability to effectively serve the community’s educational needs.

As this story develops, stakeholders and community members are urged to stay informed about the implications for local education governance and the ongoing efforts to restore public trust in the GECDSB.