The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eryn Smit to the position of Superintendent of Education - Indigenous Education / Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Justice, effective April 14, 2025.
Smit, currently the Principal at Cathcart Boulevard Public School, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. With a career spanning various roles within the LKDSB, including Principal at Victor Lauriston Public School, P.E. McGibbon Public School, and Zone Township Central School, Smit has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both urban and rural settings across the Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent communities. Smit holds a Master of Professional Education in Educational Leadership from Western University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.
In this role, Smit will report directly to the Director of Education and will be responsible for providing Board-wide leadership to advance strategic initiatives aimed at improving student achievement, championing anti-oppressive education, and fostering strong school-based parent/guardian/community relations. Smit will also act as a liaison with the four First Nations partnered with LKDSB and oversee the Ministry's Board Indigenous Action Plan (BIAP), Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP), Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Education, Research, Newcomers (Settlement Workers in Schools), and developing community partnerships. Smith will also be responsible for multiple Kindergarten to Grade 12 families of schools, supporting school based decision-making.
Smit's extensive experience includes serving as an International Education Principal, a variety of leadership roles with the Ontario Principals' Council and coordinating the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) through Queen's University. He also represented the LKDSB on the Board of Directors of LINCK (formerly Chatham-Kent Children's Services) from 2013 to 2019 and served as Chair of the Board and was the Board representative to the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies.
"We are thrilled to welcome Eryn as our new Superintendent of Education," says Gary Girardi, LKDSB's incoming Director of Education. "Eryn's dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion, along with a proven track record of leadership and innovation, will be invaluable as we continue to build on our strategic priorities and support the success of every student, every day.
Smit expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honoured to step into this position and look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, students, families, and community partners. Together, we will continue to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive."
Please join us in congratulating Eryn Smit on his new role as Superintendent of Education at the Lambton Kent District School Board.
