PEMBROKE, ON — June 15, 2026 — On Saturday, June 13th, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) honoured its longest-serving Director of Education by officially designating the Director’s Conference Room as the Frank Turner Conference Room.
RCCDSB was grateful to have Father Ryan Holly lead the dedication, blessing, and prayer service for the newly named space. The ceremony brought together board trustees, staff, and community members to recognize Mr. Turner’s profound impact, unwavering faith, and decades of leadership in Catholic education across Renfrew County.
Mr. Turner’s remarkable career in education began far from the boardroom. Raised on a farm in Osgoode Township near Ottawa, he began his teaching career in a one-room rural schoolhouse in March Township, Carleton County, where he taught Grades 1 through 8. It was during this formative time that Mr. Turner developed a lifelong passion for student-centred learning. Early on, he recognized the unique needs of every child, dedicating extra time to helping struggling students achieve success while finding innovative ways to keep gifted students deeply engaged.
Before arriving in Renfrew County, Mr. Turner built an extensive resume as a dedicated educator and administrator:
As an administrator, Mr. Turner was a champion for progressive, faith-filled programming. He spearheaded the board’s early special education initiatives, coordinating a team of remedial teachers and diagnosticians across the county. He was also a passionate advocate for the Family Life Education curriculum, emphasizing themes of self-understanding, relating to others, and values rooted in love and sacrifice. He famously noted that fostering altruism over selfishness was essential for families to thrive in modern society.
His career milestones with the board include:
The ceremony served as a deeply meaningful tribute for Mr. Turner’s family, including his sons, John and Peter, who were present, and offered a chance to honour the memory of his late wife, Joyce, and their late daughter, Emily.
“Frank Turner’s leadership shaped the very foundation of Catholic education in our region,” said Bob Schreader, Board Chair. “Renaming this room in his honour ensures that his legacy of dedication, faith, and service will continue to inspire our educational leaders for generations to come.”
The Frank Turner Conference Room, located at the board’s administrative office in Pembroke, will continue to serve as a central space for leadership collaboration, governance, and educational planning.