SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION – QUALIFIED APPLICANTS’ POOL

Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is establishing a Superintendent of Education Qualified Applicants’ Pool to support succession planning for upcoming Superintendent of Education vacancies. Successful candidates will remain eligible for consideration for appointment for a period of two years.  Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee appointment, and the Board may conduct additional recruitment processes when operational needs require.  In such cases, the pool will be considered alongside any additional postings.  

We invite applications from courageous, student‑centred, and equity‑driven leaders committed to advancing achievement, well‑being, and transformative system improvement.  Qualified individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and applicants may choose to self-identify as members of equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Self-identification is voluntary and will be used to help strengthen our equity and inclusion practices.

About Bluewater District School Board

Located on the traditional lands of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, BWDSB spans 8,673 square kilometers and is one of the largest employers in Bruce and Grey Counties with approximately 3,700 permanent and causal staff.  We are deeply committed to fostering inclusive, respectful, and equitable learning environments for approximately 18,900 students from diverse backgrounds across 41 elementary and nine secondary schools.  

Rooted in close-knit rural communities and small-town charm, BWDSB serves a region that offers a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to vibrant urban communities.  Owen Sound is the largest economic and cultural hub alongside prominent municipalities such as Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, West Grey, Meaford, Georgian Bluffs, Grey Highlands, and Southgate.

In addition to its strong community networks, the region offers an exceptional natural environment that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.   Scenic trails, sandy beaches, winding rivers, and welcoming communities contribute to a lifestyle that makes Bruce and Grey Counties a truly exceptional place to live, work, learn, and grow.

Role Summary

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, superintendents champion the board’s Multi‑Year Strategic Plan, ensure system coherence, and cultivate cultures where all students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel.  Superintendents of education at BWDSB:

• provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to principals and system leaders.

   

• align board priorities, resources, and evidence‑informed practices to strengthen school improvement and enhance student outcomes.

   

• champion equity, inclusion, Truth and Reconciliation, human rights, and anti‑oppressive leadership.

   

• lead with a strong focus on instructional excellence and high expectations for every learner.

   

• build collaborative and trusting relationships with trustees, staff, families, communities, and partner organizations.

   

• lead departmental portfolios and cross‑functional initiatives that promote organizational learning and continuous improvement.

   

In carrying out these responsibilities, effective superintendents exemplify the following leadership competencies:

• Commitment to Equity and Human Rights:

• Demonstrates deep understanding of systemic barriers and the ability to take action to eliminate them.

   

• Leads with cultural humility and responsiveness.

   

• Uses disaggregated data, student voice, and evidence to identify and close gaps in achievement and well‑being.

   

Instructional and Academic Leadership:

• Applies instructional leadership practices that improve teaching and learning.

   

• Supports principals in building strong School Improvement Planning processes.

   

• Promotes the use of assessment, evidence, and collaborative inquiry to drive growth.

   

Strategic and Systems Leadership:

• Understands complex, multi‑layered organizational environments.

   

• Makes decisions aligned with system priorities, long‑term planning, and ethical leadership.

   

• Demonstrates political acumen and the ability to work effectively with elected trustees.

   

Relational and Collaborative Leadership:

• Cultivates psychologically safe, trusting, and respectful working environments.

   

• Engages diverse voices and perspectives to inform system direction.

   

• Mentors and builds the leadership capacity of others.

   

Change Leadership and Innovation:

• Navigates complexity with creativity and clarity.

   

• Anticipates emerging needs, leads proactive responses, and promotes continuous improvement.

   

• Encourages innovation in programs, services, and system practices.

   

Qualifications – candidates must:

• Be a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

   

• Hold Supervisory Officer Qualifications (SOQs) under the Education Act.  Candidates actively working toward completion may also be considered, provided the qualification will be completed within the two-year duration of the pool.

   

• Have five (5) years demonstrated successful experience as a principal or equivalent system‑level leader.

   

In addition to the above competencies and qualifications, the ideal candidate also brings the following strengths to the role:

• Model integrity, emotional intelligence, humility, and ethical leadership.

   

• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students – especially those historically underserved – achieve their full potential.

   

• Advance Truth and Reconciliation through meaningful relationships and responsive educational practice.

   

Compensation

This role offers deep intrinsic rewards through meaningful service to public education and leadership that shapes student success and well‑being. BWDSB further supports its senior leaders with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and generous paid time off as part of a robust total rewards package.

Annual Salary: $185,000

Apply online via Apply to Education (ATE): https://bwdsb.simplication.com. 

Applicants must submit their complete application package addressed to the attention of Crystal Myles, Director’s Assistant/Corporate Services Supervisor:

• A cover letter of application (maximum two (2) pages).

   

• A current résumé (maximum three (3) pages).

   

• A one‑page impact statement that describes the leadership impact you aspire to have as a system leader in BWDSB;

   

• Names and contact information of three professional references who have supervised you, one of which must be current (with permission to contact under MFIPPA).  References will not be contacted without the candidate’s consent.

   

Closing date to apply is Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews will be held in person on Thursday, April 16, 2026 and Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Bluewater District School Board Education Centre.

All fees for the ATE application process are covered by Bluewater District School Board.

Should applicants require assistance in registering for Apply to Education (ATE), they may contact the ATE Help Desk at 1-416-932-8866 or 1-877-900-5627.

We thank everyone for applying, however only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

Equity 

Bluewater District School Board is committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff and abides by equitable hiring practices to engage qualified staff who reflect diversity. We actively seek to eliminate barriers to participation in our recruitment and selection processes.

Accommodation 

Bluewater District School Board is committed to providing accommodations in the workplace and for candidates who have temporary or permanent disability, or who otherwise require accommodations based on the protected grounds highlighted in the Ontario Human Rights Code in respect to the recruitment and selection process. 

Applicants are encouraged to self-identify and notify Human Resources Services if accommodations are needed during the recruitment process.

Wellness 

Bluewater District School Board prioritizes a respectful and healthy work environment for all.

Message to Prospective Q/A Monitors

Dear Colleagues:

This message is to inform you about an interesting and important professional opportunity and to gauge your interest in participating. 

As you know, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has reinstated the practice of sending quality assurance (QA) monitors to randomly selected schools across the province during the administration of EQAO provincial assessments. My organization, RMJ Assessment Inc, has been engaged by the agency to recruit, train, and assign QA monitors, who will then arrange school visits. 

We are developing an inventory of prospective QA monitors, primarily retired principals and vice-principals, who could be invited to participate as monitors for EQAO assessments. EQAO administers the following assessments annually: the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in the fall and spring, the Grade 9 Assessments of Mathematics in the winter and spring, and the Primary and Junior Division Assessments of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics in the spring.

Timing

Approximately four to six weeks before an assessment administration, EQAO selects a random sample of schools to visit. RMJ Assessment officials then contact the selected schools to confirm the test administration dates. Once we have finalized the school list, we match prospective monitors with nearby schools to create an assignment schedule. At that point, we contact the selected monitors to discuss the assignments and develop Letters of Agreement for conducting the work. The selected monitors then contact their school(s) to introduce themselves, reconfirm the assessment administration date(s), and make other arrangements. 

Letters of Agreement (LOA)

For contracted prospective monitors, the following are the terms and conditions of the LOA. You will be paid:

• $325 per school visit

• $75 to read assorted materials related to the OSSLT and participate in a 30- to 45-minute online orientation session

• 41 cents per km to travel to and from your residence to the school, to a maximum of $100

Monitors will act as subcontractors to RMJ Assessment Inc. RMJ will issue T4-A slips to all monitors but will not make any deductions. It is the responsibility of monitors to declare revenue, as applicable.

Please note that EQAO requires all individuals visiting schools to obtain a security clearance, known as a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). If you don’t already have one, you would need to obtain a VSC via your regional police service. (Please note that this is only required if you are contracted by RMJ Assessment.) The application can be completed either online or in person. The school monitor is responsible for the VSC cost, which varies by region. Once you have a VSC, you will be cleared to work on other projects. Monitors are required to provide a copy of the VSC to RMJ Assessment. In the unlikely event that the check identifies an issue, RMJ will be unable to offer a contract.

Once you have completed your assignment(s), you will submit an invoice to RMJ Assessment. Payments will be made to monitors after the assessment administration window closes. 

You may have registered previously. In that case, there is no need to re-register. If you have not already done so and are interested in registering for the inventory of prospective monitors, please complete the Quality Assurance School Monitor Contact Form, available via SurveyMonkey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RMJ_Assessment_QA_Contact_Form.

Please note that if you are not contacted for a given assessment, it simply means there are no schools available in their area, and you may be contacted to participate in future projects. 

Should you wish to discuss anything further, please contact me via the contact information below.

Kind regards,

Richard (Rick) Jones, PhD

President, RMJ Assessment Inc.

Telephone: (647) 234-5346

Email: Richard.jones@rmjassessment.com

Director of Education

Who We Are

At the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), everything we do begins with a deep commitment to students and the communities we serve. Guided by our Vision—Each student’s unique potential is strengthened—we strive every day to ignite learning, foster belonging, and support the well-being of more than 84,000 students and across 161 schools.

Our Mission anchors our work:
Across the TVDSB, we collaborate and innovate to promote student achievement and well‑being for students in a changing world.

As one of Ontario’s largest and diverse school boards, we are proud of our students, staff, families, and partners who contribute to a vibrant public education system spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities. Formed in 1998, through the amalgamation of four regional boards, TVDSB spans more than 7,000 square kilometres across Elgin, Oxford, and Middlesex Counties, including the City of London. With an operating budget exceeding $1 billion and a workforce of more than 14,000 educators and staff, TVDSB is a cornerstone of education in Southwestern Ontario.

We are currently seeking an inspirational, equity driven, and community minded Director of Education to lead the Board in achieving the priorities set out in our 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). The Director of Education serves as the Chief Executive Officer and operational leader of the system. The TVDSB is currently under the supervision of the Ontario Ministry of Education with the Director reporting to a Ministry-appointed Supervisor.

The Opportunity

The Director of Education will lead the organization toward the successful implementation of our four strategic directions:

• Support Student Achievement
• Create Safe Spaces for All
• Become the Best Place to Learn, Work, and Grow
• Work Together with Communities

This is a critical leadership role requiring a visionary who can inspire confidence, cultivate strong relationships, and champion excellence, equity, and well-being across the district.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide system‑wide leadership to implement the MYSP, operationalizing goals that support academic achievement, student well‑being, and equitable outcomes.
• Lead and support the development of annual operational plans, monitoring progress through evidence-based indicators and transparent reporting.
• Ensure strong Fiscal Management accountable to the Ontario Ministry of Education by maintaining a path to a balanced budget.

Student Achievement & Learning

• Champion high expectations for all learners, with particular focus on equity deserving groups, including Black and Indigenous students, multilingual learners, and students with special education needs.
• Ensure that resources, staffing, and programming are distributed equitably to support diverse student pathways and improved graduation outcomes.

Equity, Inclusion & Safe Environments

• Promote the physical, emotional, and mental well‑being of students and staff.
• Foster safe, inclusive, and affirming learning and working environments where identities, abilities, and experiences are recognized and valued.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Lead a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, integrity, and accountability.
• Empower staff through high quality professional learning, leadership development, and opportunities that promote engagement, collaboration, and psychological safety.
• Build and maintain a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible organization.

Community & Partnership Building

• Strengthen relationships built on trust, transparency, and collaboration with families, staff, First Nations communities, municipalities, labour partners, professional organizations, and community partners.
• Enhance accessible and diverse engagement opportunities and ensure that community voices inform decision making.
• Maintain a strong, collaborative governance relationship grounded in respect, open communication, and shared responsibility with the Ministry appointed Supervisor.

Qualifications

Ontario Supervisory Officer’s Certificate (or eligibility in accordance with Ontario Regulation 176/10).

• Graduate degree in education or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience in a large, complex educational system, at the superintendent level or higher or equivalent.
• Proven success leading equity focused, systemwide change.
• Deep knowledge of Ontario curriculum, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, relationship building, and strategic planning skills.
• Commitment to Indigenous rights, human rights, anti-oppression, and equitable outcomes for all learners.
• Proven success in managing a balanced budget.

Personal Leadership Attributes

We are seeking a leader who embodies TVDSB’s values of Students, Equity, Relationships, Sustainability, and Integrity.

 
The ideal candidate is:

• Inspiring, collaborative, and grounded in purpose
• A champion for students and a builder of strong teams
• Transparent, ethical, and accountable
• Adaptable and innovative in a rapidly changing world
• Courageous in addressing and implementing change management

   

Why TVDSB?

TVDSB offers the opportunity to lead in a district with:

• A strong foundation of community trust
• Deep commitment to equity and inclusion
• Passionate staff and engaged partners
• A dynamic and diverse student population
• A bold and forward-looking Multi-Year Strategic Plan that charts a clear and ambitious path to enhance the educational experience for each student

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by Friday, March 13, 2026, by 9:00 a.m. Please ensure that you email one complete pdf document to Sherry Hines (s.hines@tvdsb.ca), that also includes the names and contact information of four (4) professional references from your current or previous work (including your immediate supervisor). References will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Please include “Director of Education Application – TVDSB” in the subject line. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is received by Sherry Hines on or before the deadline date.  Thames Valley does not utilize any assistive technology in the recruitment and selection process.

 
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas or degrees assessed against Canadian education standards. This will enable you to provide proof of Canadian equivalency when applying for a job. The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada is a membership organization that offers fair and credible academic credential assessment services in Canada. (NOTE: This is different from translating credentials into English).  
 
For more information, please review the https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/thames-valley-leadership.aspx website.