Acclamations For DiLorenzo, Burkholder At Catholic School Board’s Organizational Meeting

Back from left: student trustee Mason Pasma, trustee Larry Huibers,
trustee Joseph Bruzzese, trustee Jim Marino, trustee Douglas Joyner, student trustee Taylor Sexton, trustee Paul Turner.
In front, from left: vice-chair Rhianon Burkholder, chair Danny Di Lorenzo, director of education Camillo Cipriano.
Trustee Natalia Benoit was absent when the photo was taken./Supplied photo.

WELAND- Niagara Catholic’s Chair and Vice-Chair remain unchanged for 2026, following the acclamation of Danny Di Lorenzo and Rhianon Burkholder to their respective roles. Di Lorenzo and Burkholder have retained these positions since the Annual Organizational Meeting following the 2022 Municipal Election. 

They were acclaimed during Niagara Catholic’s Annual Organizational Meeting Nov. 25.

 In his opening remarks, Di Lorenzo spoke passionately about the importance of Catholic school trustees in the successful operation of school boards. 

“Tonight, it is impossible to speak about Catholic education without acknowledging the conversations happening across Ontario – conversations driven by Bill 33 and by commentary in the media suggesting that the role of trustees should be diminished or eliminated,” said Di Lorenzo. “Some have even gone so far as to paint all 72 boards with the same brush, implying dysfunction across the province and questioning the value elected trustees bring to education. Let me be very clear. These generalizations do not reflect the Niagara Catholic District School Board. They do not reflect our governance. They do not reflect our conduct. And they do not reflect our service to students and families.”

Burkholder spoke about the shifting landscape of education in Ontario, affirming that students will remain the focus for Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees.

 “We all know that this is a time of significant change and challenge within the Ministry of Education,” she said. “New expectations, shifting priorities, and ongoing pressures can make the work feel heavy at times. But despite all of this, I remain genuinely happy – and deeply committed – to serving our community. Because in the midst of policies, budgets, and headlines, we cannot lose sight of who we are here for. Our students. The children and youth across Niagara who walk into our schools every single day— ready to learn, ready to grow, ready to contribute something meaningful to the world. They are the reason we do this work. And they remind us, constantly, of the hope and promise that exists in every classroom.”

Director of Education Camillo Cipriano congratulated Di Lorenzo and Burkholder.

 “I am again pleased to congratulate Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder on being returned as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the coming year,” said Director Cipriano. “For the past three years, Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder have been strong advocates for students, staff, and families across Niagara Catholic, and for Catholic education across Ontario. They have maintained wise financial stewardship of the board, while supporting the programs, supports, and services required for 21st century learners. I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship with Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder, and all members of Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees, throughout 2026.”

Attribution: Niagara Catholic media release

Catholic School Board Has New Chair, Vice-Chair

WELLAND – Niagara Catholic District School Board held its Annual Organizational Meeting at the Catholic Education Centre in Welland on Tuesday, December 1. Larry Huibers, elected in 2018 as a trustee for St. Catharines, was elected as chair for 2021. Dan Moody, elected in 2018 as a trustee for Niagara Falls, was elected vice-chair. In each case, the vote was settled by drawing straws. 

During his remarks, chair Huibers remarked on the importance of the role of trustees within our school communities.

Larry Huibers/Supplied images

 “As trustees for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, we have walked many paths. Some met at the same place, some did not. The purpose of our different paths is as varied as the unique skills and attributes we have. Our role of trustees is not to be the same, but to be unique and willing to share the gift of our experience and commitment to Catholic education. 

“Through open, honest dialogue, our differences become the strength of the Board. We are witness to this when we look at the diversity of each table we support, be it students, staff, clergy or community. All of us that make up Niagara Catholic have an opportunity and an obligation to continue to respect diversity, to support all our students, their families, all staff and the Church community. Together, this is the essence of Niagara Catholic.”

 Vice-chair Moody said he looks forward to his new role. 

Dan Moody

“My intentions as vice-chair are very straightforward,” he said. “I am here to support our working staff, that’s what we’re supposed to do, and I’m going to make sure that it’s going to get done. You know, I can tell you, but I’ve got to show you, and you’ll see it and I base my reputation on that. “

Director of Education Camillo Cipriano congratulated chair Huibers and vice-chair Moody on their election.

 “Although it has only been three months since I joined Niagara Catholic, I have been impressed with the way in which everyone has worked together in the best interests of students and staff, in particular as we ride the second wave of COVID-19,” said Cipriano.

Camillo Cipriano

 “Congratulations to Larry Huibers on being elected as chair for 2021, and Dan Moody on his election as vice-chair. I am confident that they will continue to build upon the foundation laid by the outgoing chair and vice-chair and provide strong, compassionate leadership in 2021. Thank you to trustees Fera and Sicoli for their leadership during what has been a very challenging year in education. Your experience and confidence steadied the waters for students, staff and families, and on behalf of students and staff, we are grateful for all you have done in service to Niagara Catholic.”

(Source: Niagara Catholic release)