Confidential Agreement Ends Dispute Between Board and Educator
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has finalized a settlement with Carolyn Burjoski, a retired teacher, bringing a contentious chapter to a close. The terms of the agreement, confirmed on January 19, 2026, remain confidential. This resolution follows a period of public dispute between Burjoski and the board, which garnered significant local attention.
Background of the Case
Carolyn Burjoski, a former educator within the WRDSB, had been involved in a public disagreement with the board prior to her retirement. The details of the initial conflict were widely shared, including through social media platforms where Burjoski posted video commentary. The settlement, announced via a brief statement, indicates that both parties have agreed to resolve their differences outside of further legal or public proceedings. No additional details regarding financial terms or acknowledgments were released by either side.
Implications for the School Community
While the specific contents of the settlement are private, the announcement provides a measure of closure for an issue that had become a distraction. The WRDSB, one of Ontario's largest school districts, oversees education for thousands of students in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding townships. Such settlements are often sought to avoid prolonged and costly litigation, allowing institutions to refocus resources on their core educational mission. The board has not indicated any planned policy changes stemming directly from this agreement.
The resolution comes amidst a broader national conversation about teacher advocacy, free speech within educational institutions, and the mechanisms for resolving internal disputes. For now, both the Waterloo Region District School Board and Carolyn Burjoski have moved to put the matter behind them.