Trustee Vacancy
The Upper Grand DSB Board of Trustees has determined what process will be used to fill a trustee vacancy.
The vacancy follows the resignation of UGDSB Trustee Katherine Hauser, who was appointed to Guelph City Council on July 23, 2025, to fill a council vacancy.
Hauser served as trustee for nearly three years. She served as Vice-Chair and was a member of the Audit Committee, Finance & Facilities Committee, and several Multi-Year Plan Advisory Committees.
At the July 29th meeting, the following resolutions were passed:
That Option C - Appointment of Candidate by Open Call for Nominees/Applications, as outlined in the Trustee Vacancy report dated July 29, 2025, be approved as the process to fill the newly vacated seat for Ward 6 - City of Guelph and Township of Puslinch; and
That the following Board members be appointed as members of the ad hoc committee to review applications and provide a recommendation to the Board:
Trustee MacNeil
Trustee Ross
Trustee O'Hara Stephenson
Trustee Mesenbrink
Election of Vice-Chair
Also at the Special Board Meeting, Trustee Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson was elected as the new Vice-Chair of the Board.
“Alethia brings a wealth of experience from the corporate world, as a public speaker, a parent and from being an engaged member of the communities in Dufferin County,” said Chair of the Board Ralf Mesenbrink.
“She has represented the Town of Orangeville as a Trustee since being appointed, attending many events at her local schools. As a member of the several Board committees, and active at the Ontario Public School Board Association, including the OPSBA Black Trustees’ Caucus, we know that she will continue to bring her thoughtful leadership and support for our Multi-Year Strategic Plan to the Board room in her new role as Vice-Chair.”
Audit Committee Update
Additionally, at the Special Board Meeting, Trustee Martha MacNeil was elected as trustee member on the Audit Committee for a term commencing July 29, 2025, and until a successor is appointed.