PEMBROKE — Roger Clarke, Director of Education for the Renfrew County District School Board, has announced he will retire effective January 31, 2017.
The Ottawa-born educator began his career in Alberta in the County of Newell where he taught in a small K-12 school in the community of Tilley.
He returned to Ontario in 1984 to teach with what was then the Renfrew County Board of Education at Keys Public School in Deep River.
Over the course of his 32-year career, Mr. Clarke has held various roles within the Renfrew County District School Board including teacher, consultant, principal and superintendent. He was appointed director of education in 2008.
Among his many achievements during his time as director, Mr. Clarke led the Board with a steadfast focus on student achievement and well-being through the adoption of the Board’s current Strategic Plan.
“One of the many privileges of being director is the opportunity it gives me to see the many the good things happening in our classrooms, schools and departments,” said Mr. Clarke. “I know more than most, how RCDSB is making a difference in the lives of young people across the county. In discussions and meetings with provincial counterparts, it’s clear to me that while we may be a small district operating in a vast landscape, we are doing great things that have lasting legacies.”
Mr. Clarke’s leadership has left the Board in a strong position moving forward, said Board Chairperson Dave Shields.
“The Board of Trustees would like to thank Roger for his leadership,” said Mr. Shields. “Over the course of his tenure, he helped usher in a more collaborative teaching and learning environment that valued safe, caring and respectful dialogue. This has empowered our students and staff to be the very best they can be. We wish him the very best as he embarks on his next adventure.”
The Board will strike a recruitment begin their search for a replacement in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that a job posting will be advertised in October with interviews taking place in November.
