The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) has announced that Dr. Thomas D'Amico, the Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer, will retire on June 30, 2025. His retirement will mark the end of an exceptional 35-year career focused on transforming education, promoting equity and well-being, and fostering student success.
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Dr. D'Amico began his career in 1990 as a teacher at the Carleton Roman Catholic School Board. Over the years, he has held several key roles, including Superintendent of Human Resources, Superintendent of Technology and Associate Director of Education, before being named Director of Education in August 2020.
Under his leadership, the OCSB has grown to serve over 50,000 students across Ottawa and surrounding communities. During his tenure, the Board achieved financial stability, navigated unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued to excel in academics and innovation. The OCSB consistently performs above the Ministry average in EQAO assessments and is recognized as a top-performing Board for its high graduation rates.
"I am proud of the growth of our Board and the incredible team of educators, administrators, and support staff who have worked together to make the OCSB a leader in Catholic education," Dr. D'Amico shared. "As I retire, I take comfort in knowing the Board is in excellent shape financially stable, academically strong, and poised for continued growth and success."
A Visionary Approach to Education
Dr. D'Amico's forward-thinking leadership has earned national and international recognition. The OCSB has been celebrated as one of Canada's top EdTech K-12 Districts for its pioneering work in artificial intelligence and as a global leader in Deep Learning. As the national co-lead for the Canadian New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) cluster, he has helped to connect educators across Canada and globally.
Building Partnerships and Advancing Reconciliation
Locally, his contributions include collaborating with the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall and supporting the Board's partnership with elders and knowledge-keepers to advance truth and reconciliation. He has represented the OCSB on many provincial and national committees, including the Provincial eLearning Advisory Committee, as a mentor to other Directors of education, and locally, he serves on numerous committees and Boards, including the leadership table for the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP), the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), and as Chair of the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory committee (CSWB).
Collaboration and Community
Dr. D'Amico credits much of the Board's success to its culture of collaboration. "I've been privileged to work closely with a dedicated executive leadership team and an exceptional Board of Trustees, particularly Chair Mark Mullan and Vice-Chair Cindy Simpson, whose support and leadership have been invaluable. Together, we've maintained our focus on student success and well-being.
A Tribute to Exceptional Leadership
Chair Mark Mullan reflected on Dr. D'Amico's legacy: "Tom has been an extraordinary leader whose vision and dedication have shaped the OCSB into one of the top-performing Boards in the province. His ability to balance innovation with compassion has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and our entire community. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and friendship, and we wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of life."
A Personal Farewell
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Dr. D'Amico said, "This was not an easy decision, as I love my job and I deeply value the OCSB community. I look forward to spending more time with my wife, Michelle, daughters, and grandchildren. It has been an honour and privilege to lead this incredible Board, and I am confident that the strong foundation we've built together will continue to support students and staff for years to come."
Looking to the Future
Dr. D'Amico's legacy of innovation, faith, and commitment to student success and well-being will continue to guide the Ottawa Catholic School Board as it builds on its strong foundation. With a clear vision and a commitment to excellence, the Board is well-positioned to continue its Strategic Commitments of "Be Well," "Be Community," and "Be Innovative." The OCSB will begin the search for a new Director of Education in the coming months. Dr. D'Amico will remain in his role until the end of the school year to assist with a smooth leadership transition.
