Media Release: New Superintendent of Education
Jun 14, 2023
Lakehead Public Schools is pleased to announce that the Board will soon welcome an additional superintendent of education to the Senior Leadership team. Heather Harris, current principal at École Elsie MacGill Public School, has accepted the position of superintendent of education effective August 15, 2023.
This welcome addition is a direct result of special funding from the Ministry of Education for the purpose of allowing the Board to advance the delivery of mathematics in schools. Current Superintendent of Education, AJ Keene, will lead mathematics. Heather will lead Early Years Education, in addition to other portfolios.
Heather Harris is a graduate of Lakehead University, with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in French. She graduated from the Faculty of Education in 2004 and earned a Master of Education in 2020. Heather has taught in several schools within the Board and was previously vice principal at McKellar Park Central Public School and principal at Kakabeka Falls Public School. She also held the central role of capital planning officer.
Heather Harris looks forward to developing academic programs, initiatives, and supports so that students can achieve high levels of personal and academic excellence.
“I am excited to join this talented and dynamic senior team, prioritizing our common goals of student achievement and well-being in an equitable and inclusive environment. It continues to be my privilege to work with the dedicated staff and families at Lakehead Public Schools to make good things happen for students and ensure their continued success,” said Harris.
Lakehead Public Schools Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says that Heather Harris’ leadership and longstanding experience with Lakehead Public Schools will be an asset.
“We are thrilled to welcome Heather Harris to the Senior Leadership team and look forward to her upcoming contributions and continued dedication to Lakehead Public Schools. Her knowledge in the field of education and her ability to build tremendous community relations will be a great addition to our talented senior team,” said Pharand.
Heather Harris will join Superintendent of Business Kirsti Alaksa and Superintendents of Education Michelle Probizanski, AJ Keene, and Jane Lower in guiding Lakehead Public Schools toward achieving the goals of the Strategic Plan.
