The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has chosen a new leader ahead of the 2022-2023 school year.
Christy Radbourne has been named as the board’s new Director of Education as of September 6, 2022, taking the position of the outgoing Sherri-Lynne Pharand.
In a prepared release, the KPDSB says Radbourne’s an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience, and most recently worked as a Student Achievement Officer with the Ministry of Education – working to assist boards with learning plan, framework and curriculum development across the province.
Radbourne was initially identified through a third-party organization before approval was given by the KPDSB’s Board of Trustees.
“We are pleased to welcome Christy to our Board and look forward to working closely with her to support students and staff across the system,” said Cecile Marcino, Chair of the KPDSB.
Prior to her work in the ministry, Radbourne served as an administrator for 11 years with Lakehead Public Schools, leading their future leaders’ program and as president of the Lakehead Ontario Principal’s Council.
Radbourne holds a Master of Education from Lakehead University and is working towards her Ph.D. She even co-wrote Lakehead University’s Principal Qualification program and instructed it for seven years, mentoring and developing leaders in education across the province.
She’s also authored multiple publications in Indigenous and environmental education, acted as a keynote for Lakehead University’s Faculty of Education, created many community-based resources in Indigenous education and has presented at national and international conferences.
“I am both humbled and honoured to join the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and continue the excellent work and leadership of staff, improving achievement and well-being for every student,” said Radbourne. “I look forward to working with our communities and Indigenous partners to increase opportunities and positive outcomes,” she adds.
In June, Sherri-Lynne Pharand announced she’d accepted a Superintendent of Education position with the Lakehead District School Board for the upcoming school year, leaving the KPDSB to search for her replacement.
Pharand served the board for three years after joining Keewatin-Patricia in late 2019, mere months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She replaced outgoing director Sean Monteith, who served for 6 years after his appointment in 2013.