GUELPH – Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) trustees Ralf Mesenbrink and Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson were acclaimed as chair and vice chair during a Nov. 25 board meeting.
The positions are for a year-long term.
Mesenbrink is the school board trustee for Wards 2, 3 and 4 in the City of Guelph and this is his fourth time serving as chair.
The chair’s duties include acting as a spokesperson for the board, providing leadership to the board and maintaining its focus on its multi-year plan, vision and purpose, presiding over board meetings, conducting meetings in accordance with boards procedures and practices, establishing agendas for board meetings (in consultation with the director of education) and ensuring board members have necessary information for informed discussion.
“I’d like to again thank my trustee colleagues for their support and confidence, and in our ability to bring our voices together and collectively make the best decisions for the system,” Mesenbrink said.
While the year ahead will have some challenges, there is much to celebrate, he added.
“We await the release of EQAO data so we can evaluate the continued impact of our investment in foundational learning.”
He said there are “major reports” coming in the next year or two including a human rights review and a French Immersion review.
“In [September 2026] we will celebrate the opening of the new high school in South Guelph,” he continued.
“We have expanded, and continue to expand, alternative learning offerings across the district.”
O’Hara-Stephenson will serve as vice chair for a second term.
Director of education Peter Sovran congratulated Mesenbrink and O’Hara-Stephenson and said “It is a privilege to work alongside you and all trustees in service of the students and families across the UGDSB.”
