Waterloo School Board Releases Long-Awaited Integrity Report

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has released the Integrity Commissioner’s report concerning the suspension of Trustee Mike Ramsay, a decision made over three years ago. The report, submitted to the board in May 2022, details events that led to the board’s vote to suspend Ramsay for breaching the trustee code of conduct, a vote that passed with a 6-3 majority. The document remained sealed until this week, when it was made public following a successful Freedom of Information request by a private citizen.

The report reveals a board of trustees sharply divided along ideological lines, with one faction leaning progressive while the other aligns more conservatively. According to the report, this divergence has resulted in a minority feeling marginalized, particularly regarding what they perceive as a “woke” agenda dominating discussions.

In a significant incident that catalyzed the complaint against Ramsay, the board voted to interrupt a presentation by teacher Carolyn Burjoski on January 17, 2022, which addressed the age-appropriateness of library materials. Trustee Laurie Tremble accused Ramsay of violating the code of conduct, citing a “pattern of concerning behaviour” that warranted scrutiny.

The Integrity Commissioner’s report does not provide recommendations but instead outlines the complaint and compares it to similar cases for the trustees’ consideration. The findings highlight the challenges of maintaining a functional board amid differing viewpoints, indicating that while diversity of opinion can be beneficial, it also risks fostering a negative dynamic, as evidenced by the events surrounding the complaint.

The release of the report sheds light on internal conflicts within the WRDSB and raises questions about governance and communication among trustees. The implications of this report may resonate beyond the boardroom, affecting how educational matters are approached in the Waterloo region moving forward. Further developments are anticipated as community members respond to the findings and the board contemplates its next steps.