Waterloo School Board Unseals Integrity Report on Trustee Suspension

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has released the long-awaited Integrity Commissioner’s report concerning the suspension of Trustee Mike Ramsay. This report, which details events leading to his suspension, comes more than three years after the board initially reviewed its findings. Submitted to the board of trustees in May 2022, the report described a divided board, ultimately leading to a 6-3 vote in favor of Ramsay’s suspension due to a breach of the trustee code of conduct.

The report remained sealed until this week, when a private citizen successfully filed a Freedom of Information request, prompting the WRDSB to disclose its contents. The findings indicate a significant ideological split among the trustees, with one faction leaning progressive and the other conservative.

Contentious Events and Allegations

The trigger for the complaint against Ramsay stemmed from the board’s decision to halt teacher Carolyn Burjoski’s presentation regarding the age-appropriateness of library materials on January 17, 2022. Trustee Laurie Tremble accused Ramsay of violating the code of conduct, citing what she referred to as “a pattern of concerning behaviour.”

The report highlights the tension within the board, stating, “That divergence of viewpoints has led to the minority feeling somewhat marginalized in their opposition to what is perceived as the ‘woke’ agenda of the majority.” While the document acknowledges that a diversity of opinion can be beneficial, it warns that it may also foster negative dynamics, as evident in the incidents surrounding the complaint against Ramsay.

Despite its comprehensive nature, the report did not provide a specific recommendation regarding Ramsay’s conduct. Instead, it primarily outlined the complaint and compared it to similar cases for the trustees to review.

The release of the report marks a crucial moment for the WRDSB, as it sheds light on internal conflicts and governance issues that have lingered for years. The implications of the findings are likely to resonate within the community as discussions about board conduct and accountability continue. As the board navigates these challenges, the transparency offered by the report may serve as a foundation for addressing underlying issues and fostering a more cohesive working environment.