SCDSB Update 5 – Nov. 17, 2025
The SCDSB Special Organizational Meeting took place on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.
For agendas, reports, and items addressed at the meeting visit the Board and Committee Meetings page of the SCDSB website.
For a video recording of the Board Meeting visit the SCDSB YouTube channel.
Dawn Stephens, Director of Education, outlined the process pertaining to the election of chairperson and vice-chairperson.
Election of Board Chairperson
Trustee Brandy Rafeek, representing Adjala-Tosorontio, Clearview, CFB Borden, and Essa, was declared to the position of Chairperson. This will be Trustee Rafeek’s first term as chairperson.
Election of Board Vice-chairperson
Trustee Lynn Strachan, representing Barrie Wards 1, 2, and 3, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson. This will be Trustee Strachan’s second term as vice-chairperson.
Election of Selection Committee member
Trustee Jodi Lloyd, representing Orillia, Ramara, and Severn, was acclaimed as a member of the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is made up of three members: the incoming chairperson, incoming vice-chairperson, and one other member elected by the Board. The role of the Selection Committee is to gather trustee preferences regarding committee membership and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval at the regular Board Meeting in December.
Election of Business Standing Committee Chairperson
Trustee Jodi Lloyd, representing Orillia, Ramara, and Severn, was acclaimed to the position of chairperson of the Business Standing Committee.
Election of Business Standing Committee Vice-chairperson
Trustee Debbie Connors, representing Bradford/West Gwillimbury, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson of the Business Standing Committee.
Election of Program Standing Committee Chairperson
Trustee Liz Grummett, representing Oro-Medonte and Springwater, was acclaimed to the position of chairperson of the Program Standing Committee.
Election of Program Standing Committee Vice-chairperson
Trustee Sarah Beitz, representing New Tecumseth, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson of the Program Standing Committee.
Remarks from the Chairperson
Chairperson Brandy Rafeek delivered the Inaugural Address to the Board. Chair Rafeek thanked her fellow trustees for their support and commitment and noted her appreciation for the many hardworking, dedicated staff across the SCDSB. Chair Rafeek commented on the Board’s response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission Dreams Delayed report and acknowledgement of the structural and systematic nature of anti-Black racism and discrimination in education. Chair Rafeek expressed the importance of continuing this work to ensure all students have equitable opportunities to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential. Chair Rafeek commented on the financial pressures the public education system is experiencing, specifically within the Special Education portfolio, and the accommodation pressures the SCDSB is facing, and noted the responsibility of the Board to advocate for the approval and efficient completion of capital priorities. Chair Rafeek commented on the uncertainty of the future of trustees, noting the significance of their work on behalf of the students and communities they serve and the importance of remaining committed to purposeful and responsible decisions centred on student success and supporting every student in reaching their full potential.
l to r: Vice-chair Strachan and Chair Rafeek
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca for information about future Board and Committee meetings.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications and Strategic Priorities
[email protected]