The Ontario Divisional Court dismissed a challenge from Rachael Prinzen after she was found to have breached the board’s code of conduct when she shared confidential board documents with the Ministry of Education concerning the board’s operations.
The beleaguered trustee had originally been barred from attending board and committee meetings for 180 days in total, and the court ruled the 38 days already served would count as the full penalty.
The Court affirmed the Board’s processes and determined the existing sanctions served by the Trustee to date were adequate, bringing a conclusion to this matter.
Board officials say while they are pleased with the legal outcome, it was ‘unfortunate’ that a judicial review was required.
“As this litigation was initiated by an individual trustee and not the Board, there was a fiduciary responsibility to defend the Board’s integrity and validity of governed processes,” a statement from the board read.
“This required the Board to spend significant time, human and financial resources defending actions that were originally rooted in established processes and provincial education standards.”
Notably, the Court has awarded the Board $7,500 in legal costs, a decision that supports efforts to safeguard financial resources.
As a part of this ruling, specific documents will remain sealed and confidential, which the board is integral to good governance and supported by the Education Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The decision also affirms that the Board of Trustees acted reasonably and without bias. The court’s decision is a public document.
“We have maintained full confidence in the decisions of the Board of Trustees throughout this process,” said Dr. Kari Kramp, Chair of the Board. “The court’s decisive ruling validates the integrity of our governance. We can now put this matter to rest and return our full attention to student achievement and well-being.”
The Board expresses appreciation to the community for its patience while this matter was before the courts.
