The Halton District School Board is pleased to announce that HDSB Superintendent of Education Jennie Petko has been selected as the incoming Associate Director of Education. Jennie is the successful candidate of the hiring process that took place throughout April and May, following the announcement of Associate Director of Education Tina Salmini's retirement. Stepping into the role of Associate Director beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Jennie will lead and oversee the operations of schools, research, communications, system-wide initiatives and support the senior team.
Jennie enters the role with extensive leadership experience in the education sector, having served in a range of capacities at both school and board levels. Prior to joining the HDSB as Superintendent of Education, Jennie held a senior position within the Toronto District School Board and brings numerous years experience as a teacher and school administrator. Over the course of her career, Jennie has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the success and well-being of all students and staff. Through her leadership of the HDSB's Indigenous Rights and Education and Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education departments, Jennie has actively championed inclusive, welcoming and safe learning environments where all students are supported and empowered to succeed.
After 33 distinguished years dedicated to public education, and the past 19 years with the HDSB, Associate Director of Education Tina Salmini has announced her retirement at the end of the school year. Tina's career with the HDSB began in 2006 as a school administrator. Throughout her career, Tina has been devoted to the success and well-being of all students and staff, a dedication that led her to serve as Superintendent of Education - School Programs and ultimately Associate Director since 2022.
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"We are pleased to welcome Jennie as our incoming Associate Director of Education and look forward to the experience and insight she will bring to the role," says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. "Jennie has exemplified unwavering dedication to advancing the commitments outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, bringing a thoughtful and collaborative approach that will strengthen this important work and continue to create welcoming learning environments where all students and all staff feel a genuine sense of belonging and are equipped to succeed and thrive."
"As we prepare for this transition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tina Salmini for her guidance, friendship and commitment to HDSB students, staff and families. Her expertise has been crucial in shaping the HDSB's direction, particularly through the development of the Operational Plan and the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Rooted in compassion, Tina has inspired confident, empathetic leaders and driven meaningful action within the senior team and will be greatly missed by her colleagues. The enduring impact of her leadership and kindness will continue to inspire and shape the HDSB community for years to come. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 67,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
