The transition to one English Language School Board is progressing well, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac.

“The board has been officially named, the superintendent and management team are in place, and a plan has been approved for trustee appointments,” said Minister McIsaac. “Now that planning targets have been reached, the transition team can turn its full attention to developing a single structure that focuses on student achievement and the most effective and efficient delivery of educational services."

Jane McMillan, former superintendent of the Western School Board, has been appointed acting superintendent of the new board. “We have full confidence in Ms. McMillan’s ability to lead the new PEI English Language School Board, as well as her knowledgeable and experienced management team,” said Minister McIsaac.

The core responsibility of the school board is to provide a safe and caring learning environment with a focus on student achievement where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The new school board will support over 20,000 students, and over 2,300 teachers and support staff.

“Bringing the English school boards together will provide a more focused and aligned approach for service delivery, reduce duplication and improve efficiencies and role clarity,” said Minister McIsaac.

To ensure a smooth transition, two interim trustees will be appointed by July. A call for trustees will go out in the coming months with the new board of trustees taking office on January 1, 2013.

BACKGROUNDER

English School Board senior management team biographies

Superintendent – Jane McMillan

Ms McMillan was appointed superintendent of the Western School Board in 2011 following an extensive search process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, as well as a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration. With over 30 years in education, she has been a teacher, a department head, a vice principal, an elementary and high school principal, and a senior board leader. Before moving to Prince Edward Island, she was Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction with a large school board in Eastern Ontario.

Over the past eight years, Ms McMillan has led the development of visionary student achievement plans embodying the principle of learning for all. She has extensive experience with student success initiatives and school improvement planning. A gifted teacher and leader, Ms McMillan is widely recognized for her passion and commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Director of Corporate Services – John Cummings

John Cummings was most recently Director of Corporate Services with the Eastern School District. Prior to this, he was Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. He has extensive experience working with the Provincial Treasury. He holds a Master of Business Administration majoring in finance, and a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Leader of Corporate Services – Dave Gillis

David Gillis worked with the Western School Board for 14 years in finance and business services, most recently as Director of Business Services. He has a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration. Well known for his sense of humour and passion for athletics, he continues to coach basketball in the community.

Director of Student Services – Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith comes from the Eastern School District where he was Director of Student Services. He worked for 20 years in areas related to student services, most recently as Review Coordinator of Special Needs Program and Support Services for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. He has a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Counseling Education, as well as training in psych-educational assessment, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity.

Leader of Student Services – Brenda Millar

Ms Millar has been Director of Student Services for the Western School Board for the past six years. She has worked as a teacher, school administrator, department specialist and director. She has a Master of Education with a specialization in Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree. She is a past president of the Senior High Principals Association, a long-time athletic director and coach, and a passionate advocate of learning for all.

Leader of Student Services – Julia Gaudet

Julia Gaudet has over 25 years experience with the Eastern School District, most recently as Acting Director of Student Services. She has been Leader of Student Services, Inclusive Education Consultant, and Adaptation and Modification Consultant. She has a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a Master in Education.

Director of Human Resources – Yvette Blanchard

Yvette Blanchard has 20 years experience as a senior manager at the regional and departmental levels. She comes from the Eastern School District where she was Human Resources Manager. Prior to this, she was HR Manager for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for 12 years. She has a Master's degree in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts, as well as a certified HR designation (CHRP).

Director of School Effectiveness – Bob Andrews

Bob Andrews comes from the Eastern School District where he was Director of School Development. He was Director of Technology in Learning at the Department of Education and principal of Colonel Gray Senior High School. He has a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Science and Computer Science and a Bachelor of Education.

Leader of School Effectiveness – Ron Taweel

Ron Taweel has been Senior Administrator at the Western School Board for 12 years. His roles included HR Director, Student Services Consultant and school principal. He holds a Master of Education specializing in literacy, a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Physical Education in Sport Science, and HR Certification in Industrial Relations.

Leader of School Effectiveness – Anne Hall

Anne Hall has 13 years experience as a school administrator and six years experience in senior administration. For the past three years, she has been the Leader of School Development with the Eastern School District. She has a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education specializing in educational administration.

Director of Curriculum Delivery – Douglas MacDougall

Doug MacDougall has 30 years experience at the school, board and department levels. For the past eight years, he was Director of Educational Services at the Western School Board. He has been Coordinator of Elementary Education for the Department of Education and worked for many years as a school administrator. He has a Master's degree in Education (Administration and Supervision), a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts. He is a past member of the Board of Governors of the PEI Teachers’ Federation, the Canadian Association of Principals, and the Board of Governors of UPEI.

Leader of Curriculum Delivery – Tamara (Tammy) Hubley-Little

Tammy Hubley-Little comes from the Eastern School District where she was Director of Curriculum Delivery and Secondary Curriculum Specialist. She provides sessional instruction at UPEI on “Improving language and literacy achievement.” She holds a Master's degree in Counseling, Master of Arts in Education, and a Doctorate in Education.