Public board names new education director
A superintendent with the York Region District School Board was named Tuesday as the new education director of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
Rita Russo, who is superintendent of leadership development in York Region, will start her new position on Jan. 25, succeeding Jennifer Leclerc, who is retiring.
“I am incredibly honoured and humbled by the opportunity to serve as director of education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board,” Russo stated in a news release.
The school board has a rich history as a provincial leader in many facets of public education in Ontario, she stated.
“I consider it a privilege to be entrusted by the board with the position of director. I am most excited to meet the KPR students and to learn about their unique strengths and interests,” Russo said.
“Together with the board of trustees, staff, families and
community partners, I look forward to leading a continued focus on achieving excellence in learning, life and community for all.”
Russo has held a number of administrative and leadership positions with the York Region board, where she has also been superintendent of central schools, and the Toronto District School Board.
“We reviewed a number of excellent and highly qualified candidates as part of our recruitment process, and we feel incredibly fortunate that Rita is joining our board as director of education. She brings with her a wealth of professional leadership skills to her new role,” board chair Diane Lloyd stated.
“An innovative educator, Rita has extensive experience in developing and supporting equitable strategies that achieve positive learning outcomes for students — the main priority for our board.”
Russo has more than 20 years of experience in education. In her current position she has helped set direction and the vision for the York Region board’s leadership development program, including launching a new Indigenous and racialized leaders mentorship program.
Russo holds a master of education degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto and many ongoing learning certifications including studies at the Rotman School of Business and Harvard University.
She is also a former instructor with OISE and a region director for the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers Association.
“Rita is widely-regarded as a highly skilled and creative professional,” Lloyd stated.
“Her authentic, collaborative and people-first leadership has been central to her career in education. We expect these leadership and interpersonal skills will characterize her success as our new director of education.”