Director of Education Jean Hanson to retire at the end of the school year

The Rainbow District School Board’s Director of Education will retire at the end of the school year following 40 years of distinguished service in public education. Jean Hanson announced her retirement during the regular Board meeting on January 18, 2010.

“I have had the privilege of leading the best education system in Ontario with committed trustees, dedicated staff, supportive parents and exceptional students,” said Director Hanson. “My term as Director has been most rewarding and I look forward to working on behalf of students for the remainder of the school year.”

Board Chair Tyler Campbell accepted the Director’s retirement with regret. “While we are sad to see Director Hanson leave, we recognize that she deserves a happy retirement filled with the best life has to offer. She has made her mark on Rainbow Schools and will long be remembered for her focus on student success through character development, special education, cultural understanding, education for sustainable development, the revitalization of Rainbow Schools, and most recently, early learning.”

Jean Hanson began her career as a classroom teacher in 1970 at the Borough of York. Since joining the Sudbury Board of Education in 1976, she has served as a classroom teacher, special education consultant, principal and superintendent. She became the Board’s first female Director of Education on January 1st, 2004.

“My most significant responsibility as Director has been to make a difference in the lives of students through our employees on the frontlines and those who work diligently behind the scenes supporting their efforts,” said Director Hanson.

“I am proud of our teachers, our administrators, our office staff, our custodians and cleaners, our educational assistants, our professional services staff and the many Board Office employees that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. They exemplify the true meaning of reaching minds and touching hearts and deserve to be commended for their dedication to students.” She added: "I also thank my family for allowing me the time to serve my community. Their support has been invaluable.”

Hanson also commended the many partners in education who mentor and nurture students to achieve their full potential. “Reaching out to the community to work with others whose work impacts our children and young people has been an important part of my role as Director,” she said. “We are fortunate to benefit from tremendous community support which opens a world of opportunity for the students in our care.” She cited the Best Start Network, the Healthy Community Cabinet, the Mayor and Council’s Round Table on Children and Youth, Co-operative Education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Dual Credit Programs and the new Specialist High Skills Majors as examples of community collaboration.

Since becoming Director, Jean Hanson has been known for her emphasis on quality schools where character counts.  “As leaders in learning, we are the role models for those who will follow in our footsteps, so we recognize and value the importance of building good citizens.” She adds: “Through public education, we contribute to a just, humane, democratic and respectful society. This is an important part of our work in education for sustainable development which includes a focus on the environment and the economy.”

Over the years, Jean Hanson has shared her wealth of expertise as an instructor at Nipissing University, a member of the Governing Council of the Ontario College of Teachers, and an instructor for the Principal’s Qualification Program and the Supervisory Officer’s Qualification Program. She has authored a number of publications, including Learning Together: Building Collaborative Cultures in Our Schools, the Principal as a Lifelong Learner and the Exceptional Student in the Community School, which exemplify her personal perspective on public education.

“While I look forward to what the future holds, I know I will leave with a heavy heart when I think about the wonderful people I have met along the way,” she says. “I will certainly miss the many colleagues, elected officials, students, parents, and community partners that have shared my focus on the children and youth of our community. They have made my journey in education most rewarding.”

-30-

Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.