Bob Schreader says it was an interest in his children’s education that motivated him to join Renfrew County’s Catholic school board 25 years ago.
“It has been my privilege to represent the Catholic School ratepayers within the City of Pembroke on the Board of Trustees of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board,” says Schreader. Now, with three grandchildren in Catholic schools, Schreader’s commitment to Catholic education has never been stronger.
In fact, as he celebrates 25years as a school trustee on December 1, Schreader has added a new commitment to his agenda. Earlier this year, he was elected vice-president of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, where he serves as the Chair of the Legislative and Finance Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association.
Meanwhile, on the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB), Schreader has served as Chair for eight years and Vice-Chair for six years. He alsohas chaired many of the Board’s standing committees, including Educational Services, and Business and Corporate Services.
“As a Board trustee, I have seen first-hand the value of our Catholic education system, “ Schreader says. “For our children, school further enhances the efforts of both home and parish. I believe that our Catholic education system assists all our children in learning the teachings of Jesus. There are ample opportunities to experience our rich faith tradition through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations and social justice initiatives.
Schreader says he is committed “to the goal of meeting our students’ needs for the highest quality of education possible in a hospitable, nurturing environment that respects the value and dignity of each individual student. I believe that the key to our students’ success is ensuring that they receive guidance through their faith and that they know the joy of Jesus Christ. “I believe that the role of the Board is to ensure that each student reaches their maximum potential through an environment that is filled with hospitality, good humour, and joy.
RCCDSB Chair Bob Michaud has served alongside Schreader for many years. “We are very fortunate to have Bob on our Board,” Michaud says. “His knowledge, wisdom and dedication have helped to strengthen our Board policies and guide our decisions to ensure the success of our schools.”
Schreader says his commitment to Catholic education is shared by Karen, his wife of 43 years. “We share a deep belief in the value of Catholic education,” he says.
Schreader, who retiredlast year as manager of Environmental Health with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, is the immediate past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Bishop N.Z. Lorrain Council 1531 in Pembroke. He also is active in his parish, serving as a special minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke. His volunteer work in the Pembroke community includes six years on the Pembroke Police Services Board and chair of the Citizens’ Committee for the City of Pembroke that reviewed the composition of city council, and remuneration for the mayor and council.
November 24, 2014
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
