Change at the top coming for two area school boards

By Ron Giofu

One area school board will soon bid farewell to its director of education while another welcomes a new one.

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) has announced that Erin Kelly will retire as director of education effective Aug. 11.

“I am proud of the great things we have accomplished together,” Kelly stated in a press release issued last Wednesday. “We have managed our resources effectively; there have been many improvements made to our schools and classrooms; and I saw tremendous advancements made for students with unique learning needs. Most of all, though, I am inspired by the way that everyone - staff students, families and members of our communities - demonstrated kindness and support for one another.”

During the past decade, under Kelly’s leadership, the GECDSB states it has been “focused on providing diverse opportunities and experiences for students so that they are able to reach their full potential. There has been stringent fiscal responsibility in alignment with the Board’s strategic priorities and the GECDSB has been able to secure capital funding for new schools and building renewal.”

“The community partnerships we have established have had, and will have, great value,” Kelly says. “We have begun some important work with anti-racism practices and initiatives that are breaking down barriers for all students.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Gale Simko Hatfield stated: “Director Kelly has led us through some difficult times, especially the unique challenges of maintaining quality public education during the Covid pandemic. Erin has also been instrumental in guiding our board with her innovative work in creating a sustainable process for strategic and organizational planning. On behalf of everyone in the GECDSB I wish Erin the best in all her future adventures.”

The Greater Essex County District School Board states it will now undertake the process to hire a new director of education.

The GECDSB’s schools in Amherstburg includes Amherstburg

Public School, Anderdon Public School, Malden Central Public School and North Star High School.

Meanwhile, Le Conseil scolaire catholique Providence (Csc Providence) is announcing the appointment of Carolyn Bastien, described as “an experienced educational leader,” as interim director of education and secretary of the board.

This appointment follows the departure of Eugénie Congi and is effective immediately, stated CsC Providence.

The French-Catholic Board, which operates École St.-Jean Baptiste in Amherstburg as part of its family of schools, states Bastien has been with Csc Providence for over 20 years, including 15 years as business superintendent and board treasurer. Responsible for all administrative functions of the board, including finance, human resources, facilities, and information technology, Csc Providence said Bastien has ensured that administrative functions are carried out in an efficient manner while ensuring alignment with the Board’s vision, values, and strategic goals. At the provincial level, she has participated in provincial negotiations and has chaired several boards, including the Council of School Business Officials of Ontario and School Boards’ Cooperative Inc.

Bastien holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a Supervisory Officer’s Certificate and is a Certified Professional Accountant.

Her education, experience and commitment to the Board, its schools and its students will contribute to the continued success of Csc Providence, the school board stated in a press release issued last Friday.

Board Chair Jacques Kenny praised Bastien’s “suitability for this highly strategic position.”

“In addition to her financial skills, her extensive expertise in education and management and her collaborative approach align well with the Board’s values. Under Carolyn’s leadership, Csc Providence will continue to deploy the broad directions of its strategic plan and achieve its outcomes,” said Kenny.

Csc Providence states it would like to thank Congi for her contribution to Csc Providence and wishes her well in her future endeavors.