Announcement: Incoming Director of Education

Lakehead District School Board is pleased to announce that Sherri-Lynne Pharand has accepted the position of incoming Director of Education with Lakehead District School Board. Sherri-Lynne Pharand has held the position of Director of Education with Keewatin-Patricia District School Board since 2020 and is looking forward to keeping her Northwestern Ontario leadership experience in the region.

Ellen Chambers, Chair of Lakehead District School Board, said the process for selecting the candidates for the new director of education was conducted by a third-party organization over the last several months, and that the successful candidate was formally chosen by the Board of Trustees last week.

“I am pleased to welcome Sherri-Lynne Pharand back to the Board in a role that will further advance the goals of the new 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and Indigenous Education Framework and lead our schools with experience and profound knowledge of the education system. I am enthusiastic to see the accomplishments and progress the Board will make with Sherri-Lynne Pharand as its new leader,” said Chair Chambers.

Sherri-Lynne Pharand’s experience as director of education is preceded by 13 years of experience as Superintendent of Education with Lakehead District School Board and includes significant contributions to Board initiatives such as its ongoing commitment to Indigenous cultural learning, international students, and curriculum development. She had an integral role in the development of the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and Indigenous Education Framework and the Board’s commitment to reconciliation. Ms. Pharand is looking forward to continuing this meaningful and important work.

“I am honoured to return to Lakehead District School Board and work to support the achievements of all students and in particular work with the Indigenous community on First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Education to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth as well as to support all students and staff to learn about our shared history and the rich culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples,” said Pharand. 

Cecile Marcino, chair of Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, said the Board has a process in place to conduct the replacement of the director of education and will begin that process in the coming weeks.

“The Board wishes Sherri-Lynne the best in the future. We have had the past two and a half years with her and she has shown grace and compassion with our staff and Board in whatever situation came to her. She is a great director of education and we will miss her,” said Marcino.

Sherri-Lynne Pharand will begin her role as Director of Education with Lakehead District School Board on September 1, 2022.