Kincardine public school board trustee elected first vice-president of OPSBA

Jan Johnstone (above) of Kincardine has been elected first vice-president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).

Currently the vice-chairperson of the Bluewater District School Board and trustee for Kincardine and Huron-Kinloss, Johnstone takes over the position on the OPSBA, following the resignation of Kathryn Pierroz who has served as first vice-president since July, 2024.

Johnstone will serve the association alongside president Kathleen Woodcock of the Waterloo Region District School Board and second vice-president Michelle Aarts of the Toronto District School Board until the 2026 OPSBA annual meeting next June.

OPSBA’s executive council/leadership team for the 2025-26 school year will also include:
 

• Cathy Abraham, past-president (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board)
• Jaine Klassen-Jeninga, regional chairperson, Central East Region (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board)
• Donna Danielli, regional chairperson, Central West Region (Halton District School Board)
• Susan Humphries, regional chairperson, Eastern Region (Renfrew County District School Board)
• Bill Steer, regional chairman, Northern Region (Near North District School Board)
• Arlene Morell, regional chairperson, Western Region (Thames Valley District School Board)
• Deborah Williams, enrolment representative (Toronto District School Board)
• David Green, enrolment representative (Peel District School Board)
• Elaine Johnston, chairperson of the Indigenous trustees’ council (Algoma District School Board)
• Debbie King, chairperson of the Black Trustees’ Caucus (Toronto District School Board)

In her application for the first vice-president position, Johnstone noted that she has dedicated much of her life to advancing public education and strengthening the communities in which she serves.

“With more than 17 years of experience on the OPSBA board of directors, I have enjoyed the privilege of contributing extensively to meaningful policy and program development,” she said. “This has included 14 terms on the Education Program Work Team, where I have also served as chairperson, 10 terms as regional vice-chairperson, and my current role as vice-chairperson.”

Beyond her trustee and OPSBA responsibilities, Johnstone remains connected to her community through her involvement in the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Her professional background includes many years as a social worker in child welfare and mental health, among other areas.

She is a strong proponent of life-long learning and furthering her education, as evidenced in her continuous quest for knowledge in effective governance and leadership, which includes participation in a variety of courses and workshops on the fundamentals of conducting productive and orderly meetings, common motions, and other related items.

OPSBA’s executive council leadership continues to make a positive difference in the lives of Ontario's students and looks forward to the coming school year.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE OPSBA:
 

• The OPSBA represents 31 English public school boards and 10 public school authorities of varying sizes across Ontario.
• Through its member boards, the association collectively serves almost 1.4-million elementary and secondary students.
• On behalf of its members, OPSBA advocates and makes recommendations at the provincial level in key areas impacting school boards, their students, and communities in Ontario.
• OPSBA’s guiding principles include:
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Truth and Reconciliation
  • Student Voice
  • Quality and Innovation
  • Positive Labour
Relations
  • Environmental Stewardship, Good Governance, Accountability, Collaboration, and Integrity
• OPSBA’s Mission: The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) advocates for public education in Ontario.
• OPSBA’s Vision: OPSBA will be public education’s expert voice, promoting a high-quality system, focused on improving every student’s success and well-being.
• For more information: www.opsba.org