Durham Catholic District School Board Appoints New Superintendent of Education

Posted On Tuesday January 07, 2020

January 7, 2020 – The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Susie Lee-Fernandes to the position of Superintendent of Education effective January 7, 2020. Superintendent Lee-Fernandes’ portfolio includes the Whitby Family of Schools, Equity and Inclusive Education, and Early Years. 

Susie Lee-Fernandes has over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, program support teacher and school administrator with the board. She has served on a number of board committees, including the Equity Steering Committee, Mentorship Steering Committee, and led the board’s Together for Hope Poverty Action Plan. Ms. Lee-Fernandes is a course instructor with the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, and has been recognized with multiple awards, such as the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement for making effective use of EQAO data; and DCDSB’s Distinguished Catholic Educator Award for displaying good educational practices and being a Catholic role model for both students and staff. 

Ms. Lee-Fernandes is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science; and University of Windsor Ontario where she earned her Bachelor of Education. She earned her Master’s of Education at the University of Toronto. Committed to community service, Ms. Lee-Fernandes is a member of the Board of Directors for Silent Voice Canada, a non-profit charitable organization responding to the needs of deaf adults, youth, children, infants and families in American Sign Language. She is also an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Markham. 

“I am excited to welcome Ms. Lee-Fernandes to our Senior Administrative Team” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “She has demonstrated her abilities to make impactful change through her school leadership and service.  I am confident that with her continued focus on equity and engagement, in this new role, Ms. Lee-Fernandes will bring both energy and enthusiasm to our team of passionate Catholic Educators.” 

The Board of Trustees also look forward to working with the newly appointed Superintendent of Education. “We are pleased to accept the appointment of our newest Superintendent of Education,” said Janice Oldman, Chair of the Board. “Ms. Lee-Fernandes’ leadership will help guide our strategic directions and ongoing commitment to serving with excellence in the light of Christ.” 

Ms. Lee-Fernandes added, “It is an honour to work with students, parents, staff, trustees and all of our partners as we continue to support and build on student well-being and achievement. I look forward to collaborating and building new relationships as I work to serve the diverse needs of students across our board.”

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About the Durham Catholic District School Board

The Durham Catholic District School Board shares a sense of community among families, educators and parishes and is committed to integrating the teachings of the Gospel with quality educational programs that guide students in their journeys to meeting the Catholic Graduate Expectations. The Board currently serves approximately 21,000 students in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and the townships of Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock. 

For more information, contact communications@dcdsb.ca.