Quan takes over reins at TDSB
Acting director could be in the job for some time
She opened one of the first schoolbased child care centres. She believes in the new specialty schools started by her predecessor. She is committed to continuing the focus on underserved students.
Bit by bit, the public is getting to know the new face of the Toronto District School Board.
After two marathon meetings this week to confirm that Donna Quan would be acting director of education, the previously little-known educator finally made her debut at a news conference Friday.
But unlike her disgraced predecessor, Chris Spence, who revelled in the limelight, Quan emphasized teamwork and stability.
“The fact that the spotlight is on me is a little different from my style of leadership,” she said. “The goal will be to ensure that the programs are in place, the communities are heard, that there’s fiscal stability and accountability, and staff feel valued. That’s important to me. Being in the spotlight is not.”
Quan signed her contract, with a salary of $272,000 or $300,000 including benefits, Friday morning. She will remain acting director until the board appoints a new director — and chair Chris Bolton said that could take some time.
Bolton said the board will take a “pause,” to restore stability in the TDSB before resuming the search for a new director. He added that the Spence scandal meant plagiarism could become “part of the conversation” at the meeting table.
“Before we would consider what we might look for in the future in a permanent director, I think we need to examine what has hap- pened in the past,” he said. Quan is expected to be in the running for the permanent position, but she insisted she has not considered whether she wants to stay on. Quan, who is married with three grown daughters, praised Spence’s leadership. She takes on the role not only in the wake of his controversial departure, but also at a time of labour unrest among teachers and a capital budget freeze. The ministry’s recent release of funds for capital projects at Swansea and Earl Haig public schools proves the province is gaining confidence in the board, she said. Quan was born in Hamilton and received her master’s degree in education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She began her education career in 1983 at a native reserve in Pine Falls, Man. In 1985, Quan joined the TDSB. She has been as a principal and has worked for the education ministry.