DDSB appoints a new director of education

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

DURHAM: The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has found their new Director of Education.

In a press release, sent out on Tuesday, November 8th, the board announced Camille Williams-Taylor would take over the current role of the retiring Norah Marsh.

Ms. Williams-Taylor has previously served as the Director of Education at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and has been a Superintendent with the DDSB.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Camille Williams-Taylor as the next Director of Education following a comprehensive search. We know, Camille has the skills and experience to lead the DDSB out of the pandemic, [to] continue to build a culture of collaborative leadership across the district, and [to] create an environment which puts the well-being of employees and students first,” read a statement from Board Chair Carolyn Morton. “We would also like to thank the current Director of Education, Norah Marsh, who has provided incredible leadership and skillfully led the DDSB during a period of change over the past few years.”

Ms. Marsh will leave her position by the end of 2022. Her retirement was announced at a board meeting, on May 16th.

“On behalf of students, staff, the board of trustees and our entire Durham District School Board community, I would like to express our thanks and our appreciation to Director Marsh for her tireless advocacy, her dedicated leadership and her strong commitment,” Chair Morton said, at the time.

At that meeting, Director Marsh had an opportunity to speak about her experiences.

“I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the entire Durham community, who did such a wonderful job welcoming me in. What an honour it’s been to be part of the work of implementing the trustee’s strategic plan. It is indeed both an honour and [a] humbling [experience] to have seen the brilliance of staff within this district and how they have shone the light so brightly and creatively on students.”

In a statement, Ms. Williams-Taylor talked about how grateful she is to have the opportunity to take on this role.

“It is an honour to join the Durham District School Board as Director of Education, and I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve the district in this new role."

“I am excited to work collaboratively across the DDSB, to extend a vision for public education, grounded in equity, inclusion, Indigenous rights and human rights, to ensure all students have the best learning opportunities, in a safe and caring environment. There is a lot to be proud of at the DDSB over the past few years, and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff team, to build on this work and continue to focus on student and staff well-being and achievement, as we chart a course for all students to maximize their talent and reach their potential.”