KAWARTHA PINE RIDGE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
New Director of Education

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Rita Russo as Director of Education and Secretary to the Board. Russo is currently serving as Superintendent, Leadership Development for the York Region District School Board (YRDSB).

"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," says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board. "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," says Lloyd.

"Rita is widely-regarded as a highly skilled and creative professional. 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," says Lloyd.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Russo has held a number of administrative and leadership positions with the YRDSB and Toronto District School Board. In addition to her current senior administrative role, she has previously served as Superintendent, Central Schools with YRDSB. Most recently she has been instrumental in setting direction and the vision for the board's Leadership Development program, including launching a new Indigenous and Racialized Leaders Mentorship Program.

A former school administrator and elementary teacher, Russo has extensive experience in a variety of school settings working collaboratively with all education partners: students, parents, staff and community stakeholders. 

"I am incredibly honoured and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Director of Education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board," says Russo. "The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has a rich history as a provincial leader in many facets of public education in Ontario, and 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. 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."

Rita holds a Masters of Education 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 a former instructor with OISE and a Regional Director for the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association (OPSOA).

Russo is assuming her new role effective January 25, 2021.