The next Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) Director of Education was named Monday.

Lindsay’s Katherine MacIver was selected and welcomed to the HPEDSB family with her 5-year term starting July 1, 2021. MacIver takes on the role from outgoing Director Sean Monteith. MacIver, known as an influential leader and strategic, innovative thinker, comes to the role with over 25 years of experience in elementary and secondary education.

According to a HPEDSB news announcement, MacIver is a results oriented leader who establishes a culture of high expectations and accountability, with a focus on student well-being, equity and learning.

“I am excited and pleased to welcome Katherine to our team,” said Lucille Kyle, Chair of the Board. “Everyone is ready to press the reset button as we continue to make students the priority. Our focus is fulfilling the strategic plan goals of student achievement; high expectations; safety and well-being; equity and responsible communication. As the Board of Trustees, we know that Katherine is well-prepared to lead this dynamic, people-centred organization as we continue to learn together.”

Throughout her career, MacIver’s focus has been on being supportive and responsive to all learners in order to achieve equitable outcomes and strengthen communities. She uses data to make decisions, then collaboratively sets high impact, transparent and clear direction.

“I am excited and honoured to be joining the HPEDSB in the role of Director of Education,” expressed MacIver. “I appreciate the confidence the Board of Trustees has in me to lead and support HPE students, staff and communities. As a leader and learner, I keep students at the core of decisions and lead by building relationships with transparency and integrity. I am aware of the care and dedication of staff who have been navigating the pandemic response while supporting HPE students and families. I embark on this new journey with enthusiasm and curiosity, as we move into a period of recovery. I am looking forward to working with all students, staff, families and communities to further realize the vision of the strategic plan, Learning Together.”

Some of MacIver’s professional highlights include the following:

• restructured system supports and budget to meet constraints through rethinking structures with an equitable and student centred lens;
• established a phonological awareness and phonics continuum to support primary reading skills;
• coordinated an innovative approach to secondary school scheduling during COVID-19 for the return to school through stakeholder input and strategic planning;
• conducted Indigenous community outreach and engagement to build partnerships, trust, confidence and student achievement; and
• identified gaps and set bold goals to align the board improvement plan with the strategic plan.

MacIver most recently served as a superintendent of education at Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB). She joined TLDSB as a secondary school principal in 2010 after having been a teacher and administrator at elementary and secondary schools at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. MacIver and her family will be relocating to the area in the coming months.