DURHAM CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
DCDSB Announces Appointment of Superintendent of Education and Chief Human Resources Officer

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Outram to the position of Superintendent of Education effective August 12, 2024, and Jaime Sheepwash to the position of Chief Human Resources Officer effective August 19, 2024.  

Jessica Outram has over 25 years of experience, which includes 12 years of teaching in secondary schools with DCDSB, 10 years in school administration with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) in elementary and secondary schools, and three years as a System Principal of Indigenous Education K-12 with KPRDSB. In addition, she has held diverse leadership roles as a member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, New Teacher Induction Program Steering Committee, Equity Steering Committee, French Curriculum Team, Special Education Collaborative Inquiry Team, Primary Literacy Team, and New School Leaders Mentoring Program.

Ms. Outram holds aBachelor of Arts (Honours) from Trent University, a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University, and a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto. She is a published author, and has written books, academic publications, poetry and articles. Ms. Outram is dedicated to her calling in system leadership to impact change for the best outcomes for all students, particularly those students who are traditionally underserved. Ms. Outram is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario with roots in the Georgian Bay Métis Community. 

"As a graduate of DCDSB, it is an honour to serve on the DCDSB senior team as Superintendent of Education," said Jessica Outram, Superintendent of Education. "I look forward to amplifying student voice, removing barriers for students, and nurturing an authentic culture of belonging so all students thrive. I am dedicated to advancing teaching and learning in ways that are culturally relevant and responsive, and to promoting the gifts of a life and leadership that is guided by faith."

Jaime Sheepwash joins the DCDSB from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) where she was the Lead Negotiator and Manager of Employee and Labour Relations for the past six years. Prior to her time with DDSB, Ms. Sheepwash was with the DCDSB for 12 years in various Human Resource Services roles, including Senior Employee Relations Officer, Employee Relations Advisor and Human Resources Coordinator. Ms. Sheepwash is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) with 20 years of experience within the broader public sector, and brings extensive knowledge of Human Resources best practices, policies and programs.

"Becoming a senior leader within the Durham Catholic District School Board is an exciting opportunity," said Jaime Sheepwash, Chief Human Resources Officer. "I look forward to returning to DCDSB Human Resources in this new capacity, and to developing and maintaining strong relationships with leadership, union affiliates, staff, and other relevant stakeholders. I am committed to working in collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders." 

"I am excited to welcome Ms. Outram and Ms. Sheepwash back to Durham Catholic District School board, and to the Senior Administration team," said Gerard Winn, Director of Education. "The experience, knowledge and dedication to Catholic education of both new members of our senior team will help to make impactful change for students, staff and families in our Durham Catholic learning community, as we strive to listen, learn and live in faith."