John Howitt, Director of Education for the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), has announced his intention to retire April 30 2025, concluding a distinguished 33-year career in education.
Howitt was appointed Director of the LKDSB in July 2019, following a 27-year tenure with the Greater Essex County District School Board.
"I am incredibly grateful to have spent my career surrounded by individuals dedicated to the safety, happiness, health, well-being, and success of children," said Howitt. "Throughout my career, supporting students has been at the heart of my work. As my career took me away from teaching in a classroom, I was able to continue this important work through mentoring many extraordinary individuals."
Howitt began his career as a Core French teacher in Windsor before becoming a Vice Principal during the school board amalgamations in 1998. In 2003, he was promoted to the role of Principal and in 2006 had the honour of opening and being the inaugural Principal at Lakeshore Discovery School.
In 2009, Howitt advanced to the position of Superintendent of Education, overseeing a significant portfolio that included Information Technology, Elementary Staffing, and families of schools. During this period, he was honored with the Ontario Principals Council Paul Lajeunesse Award for Leadership, Microsoft's Bob Allison Award for Leadership in Educational Technology Implementation and awarded "The Most Horrible Singing Voice" by Gordon McGregor Public School's Grade 5M class of 2000-2001 - which has not stopped him from singing in or around his office to this day.
Howitt has also contributed to the community in various roles, including:
- Member of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association Board of Directors
- Member of the Chatham-Kent Community Leaders' Cabinet
- Chair of the South West Council of Ontario Directors in Education
- Executive Member of the CAES-ECAB Employee Benefit Trust
Since joining the Lambton Kent District School Board, Howitt has been dedicated to ensuring the success of all students. Under his leadership, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) department at LKDSB was established, the board's Strategic Priorities were modernized, and annual Operational Plans were created to guide the actions and objectives of LKDSB's Senior Administration and staff. He achieved all of this, and more, while overseeing 62 schools, more than 3,300 staff members, and nearly 22,000 students and their families through the persistent challenges and evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This retirement is truly well deserved," says LKDSB Board Chair Randy Campbell. "John has led with great compassion and leaves behind a significant legacy. Our Board and the staff and students we serve have greatly benefited from his exceptional leadership and he will be greatly missed."
As he prepares for retirement, Howitt looks forward to spending more quality time with his loving and supportive wife of 31 years, Patti, their two daughters, and his future son-in-law. During his six years as Director, he remained deeply committed to the community he served, maintaining a residence within the district. In retirement, he eagerly anticipates enjoying more time at his family home with his family and creating new memories together.
"I have been fortunate to have worked within two school boards and been exposed to many others across the province and Canada," said Howitt. "I can say, unequivocally, that the work taking place in the Lambton Kent District School Board on behalf of its students is exceptional and our staff consistently go above and beyond to support their students. I want to thank the LKDSB team for welcoming me into the family 6 years ago and for their steadfast commitment to fostering success for every student every day."
