Rainy River District School Board

The Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) is a Canadian public school board responsible for administering English-language public education in the Rainy River District of Northwestern Ontario. It serves as the primary school district authority overseeing educational services for approximately 2,400 students across the region, providing instruction in a range of elementary and secondary schools.

History and Overview

Previously known as English-language Public District School Board No. 5B until 1999, the RRDSB covers a broad administrative area of about 10,552 square kilometers. The district includes rural and small urban communities, encompassing multiple towns such as Fort Frances, Atikokan, Rainy River, and others.

The Board currently manages 13 schools, which include 10 elementary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 1 K-12 school. There is also an additional K-12 school scheduled for completion by Summer 2025, expanding educational opportunities in the district. As of 2023, the Board supports around 2,417 students with approximately 208 teaching staff members, catering to 1,581 elementary and 836 secondary students[1][2].

Governance and Leadership

The Board is governed by elected trustees who oversee policy and strategic direction. The Chair of the Board and the Director of Education are key leadership roles responsible for guiding the administration and educational initiatives. The Board’s vision emphasizes nurturing both hearts and minds to build a foundation for the future, fostering an innovative and caring community[2][3].

Mission and Educational Philosophy

The RRDSB's mission is to empower all students to believe in themselves, to achieve their potential, and to dream. Their strategic plans reflect a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments. The Board promotes a culture of lifelong learning and caring, emphasizing student well-being, mental health supports, and equitable educational experiences. Mental health initiatives include identity-affirming supports and fostering student engagement in leadership and advocacy around mental health[4].

Programs and Initiatives

The Board supports a range of programs aimed at improving student achievement and community engagement:

• Character in Action program: Focuses on fostering citizenship, justice, and thoughtful decision-making among students.
• Collaborative Inquiry and Learning in Mathematics (CILM): Encourages collaborative learning among teachers and students to enhance mathematics education outcomes.
• Partnerships with Indigenous communities and educational institutions to support cultural relevance and revitalization of Indigenous languages, such as Ojibwe[3][5].

Schools

The RRDSB operates the following types of schools:

• Elementary Schools (10)
• Secondary Schools (2)
• K-12 Schools (1 existing, 1 under construction as of 2025)

These schools serve diverse communities within the Rainy River District, providing comprehensive English-language public education from kindergarten through grade 12[1][2].

Budget and Funding

The Board manages an annual budget of approximately CAD $58 million. This funding supports educational programs, staff salaries, infrastructure, and community initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and well-being[3].

Community Engagement and Partnerships

RRDSB maintains strong ties with local First Nations communities, the Seven Generations Education Institute, and the Ontario Ministry of Education. These partnerships aim to develop innovative educational programs that reflect local cultural values and support Indigenous language revitalization. The Board also works collaboratively with families and community organizations to foster student success and inclusive environments[3].

The Rainy River District School Board continues to adapt and grow to meet the needs of its students and communities, prioritizing innovation, care, and empowerment as foundational elements of its educational mandate.