Supporting SCDSB Trustee Lisa- Marie Wilson

Simcoe County Trustee Lisa-Marie Wilson needs our support. She is currently facing unjust targeting, alienation, bullying, and legal intimidation from other members of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Trustees. We are reaching out to you to ask for your help in supporting Trustee Wilson as she fights against these baseless attacks.

The Situation

In August of 2024, Trustee Lisa-Marie Wilson notified the board chair, Jodi Lloyd, that she would be taking a secondment in Halifax for one year, until June 2025. Trustee Lloyd acknowledged this request without resistance or imposing any additional requirements, asking only about Trustee Wilson's primary residence, to which Wilson confirmed it remained in Simcoe County. At the time, Trustee Lloyd mentioned that the ministry was moving toward more in-person meetings, but no changes would be enforced until late 2025.

Tensions began to rise as the board intensified its search for a new director. In September 2024, Trustee Lloyd accused Trustee Wilson of bullying other trustees during a meeting discussing potential candidates for the role of Director. Trustee Wilson had concerns about the possibility of nepotism in the hiring process and advocated for bringing in outside leadership. Following this, Trustee Wilson became the target of repeated questioning, both directly and indirectly, from Trustees Armstrong and Lloyd. These questions made it clear that she was being unfairly singled out.

The Turning Point

The situation escalated after the vote for this year’s Chair and Vice Chair on November 18, 2024. Trustee Lloyd, who had been in her position for over six years, was voted out, along with Trustee Rafeek. Trustee Wilson, voting virtually, submitted her vote to the current Director, John Dance. Within 30 days of the vote and the changes in leadership, Trustee Lloyd’s lawyer, who happens to be from the same law firm frequently used by the SCDSB, challenged Trustee Wilson’s virtual vote. This was an unprecedented action, as many trustees, including Trustee Lloyd, had attended meetings virtually without issue in the past.

It’s important to note that this legal action was taken within a month of John Dance’s departure as Director of the SCDSB. Trustee Wilson believes that this situation may have been orchestrated behind the scenes, with support from Trustee Lloyd. Despite John Dances retirment the Simcoe County District School Board has now filed a civil suit and has served Trustee Wilson with an over 200 page document around these precidented circumstances.

The Backlash

Soon after the questioning at public meetings, Trustee Wilson received significant public backlash, including threatening and harassing voicemails. The scrutiny she has faced has been incredibly stressful, particularly as she took the secondment not only for professional development but also to care for her sister, who is struggling with some health issues in Nova Scotia. Trustee Wilson feels that she is being treated unfairly and scrutinized far more than her peers.

How You Can Help

The funds raised through this campaign will help Trustee Wilson with her legal fees, allowing her to retain legal counsel and receive the support she needs to fight back against these baseless claims. Your contribution will ensure that Trustee Wilson can stand up for her rights and continue to serve her community with integrity.

We ask for your generosity and support as Trustee Wilson navigates this challenging situation. No contribution is too small, and every bit helps in this legal battle. Together, we can help Trustee Wilson get the fair treatment she deserves.

Thank you for your time, support, and kindness.