Peel board director, associate director to retire

Transition plan in place as search for director begins

TORONTO , Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Peel District School Board Director of Education Jim Grieve and Associate Director of Instructional Support Services Judith Nyman are retiring from the board. The board has put a transition plan in place during the search for a new director of education and associate director.

Grieve began his 30-year teaching career at Agnes Taylor Public School in Brampton. He then moved to the North York Board of Education working as a teacher, vice-principal and principal. Grieve became a superintendent in the North York Board of Education. In 1998 he was appointed director of the Ottawa-Carleton board. Grieve joined the Peel board as director in 2002 and will retire effective Oct. 30, 2009 . The board will now commence a search process for director of education.

Notes Janet McDougald, chair of the board, "Last night the board accepted the retirement of Jim Grieve . The Ministry of Education has offered Jim a unique opportunity-the chance to have a major leadership role in creating all day learning for four and five year olds in Ontario. We all know of Jim's personal and professional passion for early learning. Obviously, while this is a great opportunity for Jim-and a huge asset for the Ministry-as a board we regret losing a director who has brought such personal commitment to the role. Jim has always identified himself first and foremost as a teacher-and that is evident in his focus on supporting schools and students. From his weekly visits to schools and hosting staff focus groups, Jim has stayed closely connected to the people in our schools and centres. At the same time, his work with community organizations such as Success by Six and his commitment to building links with our faith and culture communities has left a legacy of success. We thank him for his energy, positive attitude and contributions to the children of Peel."

Judith Nyman will retire from the role of associate director effective Feb. 28, 2010 . Nyman has given over 30 years of service to the students of Peel. She has been a secondary teacher, vice-principal, principal, special education consultant, science consultant, worked as operations officer in school services, been superintendent of special education and has served as associate director since 2001.

Says McDougald, "Judith has done exceptional work in her roles in Peel. Specifically as associate director, she has helped us earn national recognition for our innovative School Success Planning process and our Report card for Student Success strategic plan. Anyone who knows Judith is also aware of her unwavering commitment to helping all students achieve-and her particular focus on our helping the most vulnerable students we serve. Her leaving is a great loss to our system."

Adds McDougald, "The good news is though Judith had intended to retire Dec. 31, 2009 , she has placed her own plans on hold and accepted the board's invitation to serve as interim director of education. The board is pleased that Judith will bring her experience and expertise to this interim role. She will provide needed stability and continuity to our system as our director search occurs.

"I am pleased to say that Jane Mason , retired superintendent, has agreed to return as acting associate director. Jane brings tremendous experience to the role, including her time in human resources, school services and as a superintendent of education. We appreciate her willingness to come back for this short-term role."

The Peel board serves more than 150,000 students in kindergarten to grade 12. Operating 236 schools in the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, the Peel board is the largest employer in Peel. The board's annual budget is $1.2 billion . For more information, visit the board's website at www.peelschools.org.

For further information: Media contact: Janet McDougald, Chair of the Board of Trustees, [phone]; Reference: Brian Woodland, Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships Support Services, [phone], ext. 2812