The board of trustees at Hastings Prince Edward District School Board says it welcomes a decision by the Ontario Divisional Court regarding two Code of Conduct violations by Trustee Rachael Prinzen.
The divisional court dismissed a challenge from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board trustee, but did reduce the penalty(s) against Prinzen.
She had originally been barred from attending board and committee meetings for 180 days in total.
The court ruled the 38 days already served would count as the full penalty.
You can read Quinte News coverage of the story here.
A full press release from the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board can be found below:
On legal costs and fiduciary responsibility
While the Board is pleased with the legal outcome, it is 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. 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. To ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the proceedings, the Board agreed to hear related matters together, successfully minimizing redundant legal costs. Notably, the Court has awarded the Board $7,500 in legal costs, a decision that supports efforts to safeguard financial resources.
Court affirms confidentiality, process and reasonableness
A key component of the court’s decision includes upholding the Board’s procedures and expectation of confidentiality. As a part of this ruling, specific documents will remain sealed and confidential. The Board maintains that protecting the integrity of these records is part of 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.”
Commitment to strategic plan priorities
With the legal proceedings concluded, the Board is committed to moving past this period of litigation. The focus continues to be on the priorities in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, including educating students with foundational skills, embedding Indigenous knowledge, empowering students with transferable skills and enhancing equitable, inclusive learning spaces.
The Board expresses appreciation to the community for its patience while this matter was before the courts.
