Renfrew County District School Board’s new Director of Education recently celebrated one month in the role and she’s already feeling comfortable in the position and in the district.
Kristen Niemi came to the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) from Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board where she recently served as Superintendent of Education.
An educator for more than 20 years who has held various roles, Niemi spent the first month familiarizing herself with local schools, students, staff and the communities.
Niemi, who is in the process of moving to Petawawa, said she has learned that RCDSB is a leader in the province when it comes to learning and teaching.
RCDSB’s strength is its size, says the director.
She said she is proud to see the community connections in place across the district, including co-op placements, a variety of wrap-around supports and additional learning opportunities through outside agencies.
The challenges faced by RCDSB mirror those being experienced across the province and beyond, said Niemi.
Another pressure point is staffing shortages, both daily supply and long-term and not just teachers, but in other employee groups as well.
Her short-term goals include continuing to learn about RCDSB’s unique strengths and growth opportunities; building authentic relationships with students, staff, families and communities and highlighting the positive experiences students are having.
Among her long-term goals is a plan to continue to review, evaluate and refine programming and services with a mind to remain innovative and responsive to the changing needs of communities and the work force.
“Last year, Rethink Secondary, that program review was started and it continues to be a priority for this year with the implementation of the one-to-one Chromebook program in Grades 7-12 and among other enhancements so for example, continuing to expand the Specialist High Skills Major Programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs in our secondary schools,” said Niemi.
RCDSB is also this year engaging in a review of the adult and continuing education with a goal of improving this program for students who need a different type of educational experience.
“RCDSB schools have a variety of educational programming and services that are tailored to students’ strengths, interests and needs. And for example, we know that bilingualism is a huge asset in this area of the province and RCDSB has expanded and it continues to expand French Immersion, from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and we know this has resonated in our communities as evidenced by our increase in enrolment over the past few years,” said Niemi.
READ MORE: Renfrew public school board chair welcomes new director of education
(Written by Sherry Haaima)