DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA
DSBN Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki to Retire

After eighteen years guiding the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), Director Warren Hoshizaki is announcing his retirement, effective December 31, 2023. 

Known with affection as Mr. H' to 40,000 students and to thousands more staff and education workers, Director Hoshizaki has overseen the construction of new state-of-the art schools and the creation of original dedicated programs such as the DSBN Academy and Summer HEAT. His work has directly improved the education of countless students across the region and leaves a legacy that will last for decades to come. 

Over the course of his career in education, Hoshizaki has served as an elementary school teacher, a secondary school teacher, a coach for hockey, football and girls' basketball, a principal, and a superintendent. And he leaves his post at DSBN as Ontario's longest-serving Director of Education. 

"Warren Hoshizaki is by far the most dedicated and humble individual I've ever met," said Sue Barnett, Chair of the DSBN Board. "As a leader, he is tireless in his pursuit of making students' lives better. From providing educational innovations and enhancements, to building state-of-the art schools and outdoor learning environments, to making a positive impact through unique programs, he has had an incredible influence on education in Niagara, which will benefit our communities for decades to come." 

With more than forty years in the field of education, Hoshizaki committed almost half of his accomplished career to Niagara Region, leading the area's school board and single-largest employer. During this time, he says he maintained his focus and shaped his decision-making based on one crucial core value by always asking himself, "What will be best for the students?" 

"I will miss many things about serving as Director of Education, but above all else, I will miss the opportunity to visit with students, to watch their development, and witness their success. For me, it always has been and must always be about the students," emphasized Hoshizaki. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work for so many students and to work alongside the best educators, trustees, superintendents, administrators and support staff that you will find anywhere in this province." Under Hoshizaki, tremendous gains have been made in the student experience. The DSBN has focused on deeply embedding equity, inclusion, diversity, anti-racism, and social justice into curriculum and school culture. Math and literacy have become a particular focus, with excellent results that make DSBN a leader in the province. Forward-thinking academic and technical programming in all areas of 

apprenticeship and Specialist High Skills Majors have been implemented across DSBN, adding increased access to opportunity for students. 

In addition to these achievements, Hoshizaki also has significant connections with his colleagues at school boards across Ontario. "Warren is known across Ontario for his mentorship of senior leaders, and his willingness to share his knowledge, insights, and perspectives to all directors of education to help us become better leaders. Throughout his career, Warren has been an exemplary leader. His legacy will live on in the thousands of students' lives who have been impacted by his unwavering commitment to students and education," Laura Elliott, Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE). 

Over nearly two decades with the DSBN, Hoshizaki has always acknowledged that his successes are shared. They are the result of all the remarkable, dedicated, and sincerely passionate staff, as well as our valued community partners that have devoted their time and expertise to the DSBN and its students. He greatly appreciates the support of essential community partners such as Niagara Regional Police, Family and Children Services Niagara (FACS), Niagara Community Care, Niagara Nutrition Partners, Education Foundation of Niagara, United Way, Brock University, Niagara College, EarlyON, and municipal and regional governments and many, many more. To ensure ample time is allocated to find a new Director of Education, the recruitment process is currently in its planning stages. 

Mr. H, you will be sincerely missed.