Published Aug 14, 2026  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  2 minute read

Bill Chopp

Bill Chopp, a longtime trustee with the Catholic school board, announced on social media late last week that he’s decided against running for reelection.

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Chopp, who was first elected to be a trustee with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board in 2014, said his decision was not an easy one.

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“I wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout the years,” he wrote on Friday.

“Your trust, encouragement, kindness and friendship has meant more than I can express. It has been an honour to serve and I will always look back with pride and gratitude on the fulfilling and meaningful journey we shared.”

Chopp, who had a 55-year career that moved from being a teacher, to a principal and then superintendent of education before he became board trustee, received a flood of warm wishes on Facebook from people who remembered him in various roles and thanked him for his dedication to education.

Chopp was also one of four BHNCDSB trustees who flew to Italy in 2024 in a controversial move that saw the board ordering about $100,000 in art for its new and now unnamed high school on Powerline Road, paying for the posh expenses of the art shoppers.

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Those costs included upgraded flights and eating at a pricey Michelin star restaurant.

The situation came to the attention of Minister of Education Paul Calandra who, in April 2025, demanded Chopp and trustees Rick Petrella, Dan Dignard and Mark Watson repay the board for almost $50,000 they expensed from the trip.

Details from a Freedom of Information filing by The Expositor revealed the board spent even more money on lawyers and a public relations company to help the board manage the fallout after details about the trip became public.

Watson was the only one who refused the directive. He resigned last October.

Petrella has not put his name forward but Dignard plans to run for his long-time position again.

Chopp could not be reached for comment about his decision.

He said in his public message that he appreciated the experiences, challenges, accomplishments and friendships he built while working and serving in Catholic education.

“What remained consistent was working with so many people who believed that education was about more than just academics: it was about nurturing faith, building character, supporting families, and helping every student discover their gifts and potential.”

Chopp said he will carry as “gifts” the relationships and friendships he’s built over the years.

Four people are currently listed running for two trustees-at-large in the Oct. 26 election: Wenda Allicock, Eryn Ritter, Stan Verschoore and Birkin James Culp.

Candidates will be officially certified on Aug. 24.

SGamble@postmedia.com

@EXPSGamble

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