Longtime Guelph director of training Martha Rogers dies

From the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB):

It is with great sadness that the Upper Grand District School Board shares that the board’s former long-serving director of education Martha Rogers has passed away.

Rogers passed away peacefully in her home this weekend. Her family will be holding a celebration of life for Martha in the new year.

“If you had the privilege of meeting, working alongside, and knowing Dr. Martha Rogers during her almost 50 years in public education, or her lifelong community volunteer efforts, you would know that each and every day she was driven by a love for all children,” said UGDSB chair of the board Linda Busuttil.

“Martha devoted her life to public education and public service. You would see this in big and small ways every day, from her provincial meetings with our education stakeholders, local community partners, to the time she would take for classroom story time reading to students. Everyone had value in Martha’s eyes and ways and she had a unique way of weaving it all together for the benefit of our students, staff and communities,” said Busuttil.

Rogers worked in education for more than 46 years. She served many roles in her time in education, including a primary consultant with the Dufferin County Board of Education, superintendent of program, superintendent of human resources, director of education for the Wellington County Board of Education and finally, following the amalgamation of the Wellington and Dufferin County boards of education, director of the Upper Grand DSB. Rogers served as director from 1995 to 2021, making her the longest serving director in Ontario and one of the longest serving directors in Canada. Rogers retired from the UGDSB on Aug. 31, 2021.

“Dr. Rogers will be forever remembered for how she ran the UGDSB for over 26 years as director. We are all thinking of her many family members and friends who will be feeling this loss so deeply. We know her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come across the UGDSB,” said director of education Peter Sovran.

Rogers’ dedication to the Upper Grand and to public education was unmatched. Her contributions to education in the province are immense. She truly loved her work and will be missed dearly.

“We are all so very saddened to learn of this news today, especially coming so shortly after Martha’s retirement. Our entire system will be forever grateful for her contributions to our students, staff and school communities,” said executive superintendent of education Brent McDonald.

Rogers will be remembered for many things, including her steady leadership, her keen eye to fiscal responsibility, and her great storytelling.

Our thoughts go out to Martha’s family at this very difficult time.

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