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Sudbury Catholic board names Joanne Bénard new director

Joanne Bénard has been named the new director of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
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Joanne Bénard has been named the new director of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. File photo.
Joanne Bénard has been named the new director of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.

Bénard joins the board from her current position as superintendent of education with the Nippissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board in North Bay, where she has held her position since 2001.

Bénard graduated from the University of Ottawa and Nippissing University and holds a masters degree of education.

Effective July 1, Bénard will be replacing Catherine McCullough who has served as director for seven years.

“Throughout her career, Joanne has consistently demonstrated her very strong leadership skills, and the fact that she leads with integrity and compassion,” said Jody Cameron, chair of the board.

“Joanne's outstanding accomplishments, and connection to her board, community and province makes it quite evident that she will be a huge asset to our already strong senior administration team, as well as the entire Sudbury Catholic community.”

Under her direction as superintendent, Bénard has led several programs including Kindergarten to Grade 12 supervision, French as a Second Language, early learning, board leadership and development strategies, parent engagement, and equality and inclusive education.

In her community, Bénard has been involved with numerous organizations including serving on the board of directors for the North Bay and District Multicultural Centre, is chair of the Nippssing, Parry Sound Student Support Leadership Committee and is chair of the Crown Ward Championship Team of Parry Sound and Muskoka.

Provincially, Bénard serves as the chair of the Ontario Institute for Educational Leadership (her second term) and also is a part of both the Principal Workload Study Group, as well as the French as a Second Language Provincial Working Group.

“I am truly honoured and privileged to have the opportunity of working with the board of trustees in serving the students, parents and staff of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.” said Bénard.

“I look forward to building upon the board's solid foundation in building schools focused on academic excellence and student success.”

Bénard will be in attendance at the May 20 regular Board meeting and will be introduced at that time.

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