Trustees of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Sherri-Lynne Pharand to the position of Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, effective January 21, 2020.
Pharand, currently Superintendent of Education with Lakehead District School Board (LDSB), has extensive and varied experience as an educator. Since beginning her career in 1990 as a teacher, she has worked as a principal and vice-principal, including positions as Principal of Leadership Development and Supervising Principal of Instructional Services, as well as Executive Lead for the Managing Information for Student Achievement (MISA) Thunder Bay Region Professional Network Centre, Superintendent of Education, and Acting Director of Education for LDSB.
As a Superintendent of Education, Pharand has focused on providing the best educational opportunities to all students and ensuring students have what they need to be successful. Her portfolios have included: School and System Improvement, Curriculum and Instruction (including Early Learning), School Effectiveness and Student Success, French and English as a Second Language Programs, Indigenous Education, Information Technology, Leadership, Contract Management, and Research and Development. She has co-authored a chapter called Student Motivation in Large Scale Assessment in a book titled Large-Scale Assessment in Education: Theory, Issues and Practice, and led the development and implementation of the Urban Aboriginal Education Project. Pharand's belief in collaborative professionalism has led to her presenting at numerous local, national and international conferences. Most importantly, she believes in the capability of every student and the capacity of every educator and support staff to meet the needs of children and youth.
Pharand stated, "I believe passionately in improving learning for students and preparing them for their futures. To accomplish this, it takes all our collective efforts: the leadership of trustees, the talents and learning of staff, the engagement of parents and families, and partnerships with communities. I am looking forward to working together to put our students first by creating a culture of learning' and in doing so, supporting strong, northern communities."
Cecile Marcino, Chair of the Board, added, "We are pleased to welcome Sherri-Lynne to our Board. She brings with her a wealth of experience, including experience in education in the North, and we look forward to working with her as Director of Education. Her passion for education and putting students first was evident to us as Trustees and we are confident our students, staff and all stakeholders of the KPDSB will be well served by her appointment."
