NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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At the Regular Meeting of the Board on November 27, the Board of Trustees announced Dawn Stephens as the next Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Director of Education.
“After an extensive director search, led by consulting firm Promeus Inc., and a thorough interview process, the Board of Trustees is very pleased to share that Dawn Stephens is the successful candidate for the Director of Education position with the SCDSB,” said Dana Powell, Chairperson of the Board. “Ms. Stephens embodies the attributes identified through consultation with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community, and has extensive knowledge of the education system through her many years with the SCDSB.”
Stephens, a graduate of Midland Secondary School, began her teaching career with the SCDSB in 1999. Stephens then joined the Guidance Department at Bear Creek Secondary School when it opened in 2001, becoming the Guidance Department Chair in 2004. Following her time in guidance, Stephens worked as a Vice-principal at Banting Memorial High School and Bear Creek Secondary School, and a Principal at Innisdale Secondary School. In 2017 Stephens was hired by the board to serve as a Superintendent of Education responsible for an area of schools and a portfolio that included School Services and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. While in this role, Stephens navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and led the SCDSB’s strategic response to a global pandemic that was arguably one of the most challenging times in education history. In 2020 Stephens was promoted to Executive Superintendent of Student Achievement, Student Success, and Information and Technology Services. This was followed by a promotion in 2021 where Stephens kept her portfolio responsibilities and added the role of Associate Director. In 2023, as Associate Director, Stephens assumed the responsibility of Superintendent of Human Resource Services.
“Dawn Stephens is a highly respected and experienced leader in the system,” said Chair Powell. “Her unwavering dedication to student well-being and achievement, knowledge of the growing community we serve, and capacity to manage complex situations has served the board well and positions the board for future success.” Powell added.
Stephens holds a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
“I am honoured to be appointed as the next Director of Education for the SCDSB,” said Dawn Stephens. “I have had the great pleasure of working alongside the dedicated Board of Trustees, and so many extraordinary leaders and staff throughout my time with the board. I look forward to continuing to build on these relationships with a shared goal of student achievement, well-being, and creating environments where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.”
Dawn Stephens will begin the role of Director of Education effective January 1, 2025.
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