Pembroke, ON – June 24th, 2024 – During the final Board meeting of the 2023-2024 school year, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board shared that the dedicated and faith-filled Trustee, Andrew Bray, will be retiring from his role within the Board after 40 years of service to the Renfrew County Catholic school community. 

Mr. Andrew Bray was appointed RCCDSB Trustee on February 6th, 1984, to represent the Town of Arnprior, Village of Braeside, Township of McNab/Braeside and Township of Greater Madawaska. Mr. Bray began his important role as a Catholic Trustee after being interviewed by a panel of 23 trustees, administrators, and stakeholders. His work as Chair of the Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister, Reader, and Usher exemplified his deep faith commitment.  He also brought community contributions such as Volunteer Fire Fighter, Cub and Scout Leader and Minor Hockey Coach.

Over the next number of years, Andy became a leader at the Board level for three one-year terms in the 1990s and three terms as Chair in the next decade. 

With many years of experience and dedication to RCCDSB, Andrew Bray served on the Board’s Negotiating Team for various employee negotiations and has been a member of the Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium’s (RCJTC) Governance Committee. Additionally, he Chaired the Board’s Business and Corporate Services Committee and the Educational Services Committee and served as Trustee representative on the Board’s Parent Involvement Committee. 

In 2017, Andy was the recipient of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Trustee Merit Award. The award recognizes individuals who have provided ‘exceptional service to education over the years’ and was presented at the OCSTA AGM and Conference in Toronto. 

Andy is a man of integrity and faith, he loves and serves Jesus and is a strong witness to the Catholic Community. He puts the spiritual and academic growth of each of his students at the forefront of every decision he makes. 

It is evident that Andy has played a vital role at the RCCDSB, and to recognize this dedication to Catholic education in Renfrew County, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board is pleased to honour Andy Bray by recognizing the learning commons space at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Arnprior as the Andrew Bray Learning Commons. 

RCCDSB has been blessed with the opportunity to have him serve as Trustee for 40 years. The Board wishes him all the best in his retirement.