By Staff
May 19th, 221
BURLINGTON, ON
Trustees of the Halton District School Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Curtis Ennis as the new Director of Education, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board, effective August 1, 2021.
Curtis Ennis, newly appointed Director of Education for the Halton District School Board
Ennis’ career portfolio during the past 22 years has included a variety of senior leadership positions with the Toronto District School Board, Canada’s largest school board, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Education. Ennis began his career as a primary teacher and advanced through various leadership roles as a Superintendent of Education with increasing responsibilities.
He is currently the Associate Director, Equity, Well-Being and School Improvement (Interim).
Ennis has led numerous strategic planning initiatives in the TDSB, as well as gaining leadership experience with the Ministry of Education’s Toronto and Area Regional Office. Ennis holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting/Finance) and a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education (Language, Culture & Teaching) from York University.
Following the retirement announcement of the current Director of Education, Stuart Miller, trustees began a search process in early December 2020. With the help of Joan M. Green and Associates/Lough Barnes Consulting Group (LBCG), an extensive consultation took place. The search involved consultation with stakeholders in the education community including HDSB staff, local unions, trustees, students, community partners and beyond to develop the Halton-specific Director position profile.
“The Trustees of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) were impressed with, and grateful for, the strong show of interest and outstanding qualifications of the candidates who applied for the position of Director of Education,” says HDSB Chair Andréa Grebenc.
“We are excited to welcome Curtis Ennis as the HDSB’s incoming Director. Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge gained through senior leadership roles in the Ontario education sector. He has diverse experiences that will be invaluable in building strong relationships with students, staff, families and community members, as the HDSB continues its journey to fulfilling the goals outlined in the 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and providing outstanding opportunities for every student.”
Ennis has a proven-track record of strategic planning and leadership with a focus on student achievement and well-being, equity and inclusion, communication and relationship building.
“I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the Halton District School Board as Director of Education, says Ennis. “I am grateful to the Trustees for their confidence in me and I look forward to leading and learning with the students, staff, families and community partners of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville in the years ahead. Leadership for me has always been about service and I am deeply committed to working with all staff and the Board to carry on the Halton tradition of excellence in education while being acutely mindful of those who have been historically under-served and have faced barriers to positive outcomes.
“Working collaboratively with students, staff, trustees and communities, I will be intentional and focused on ensuring the success and well-being of students of all identities in HDSB.”
Curtis Enis was a premium running back for Penn State and the Chicago Bears. I really had my hopes up that Halton District School Board had pulled off a major draft coup until I noticed that our Ennis has 2 ‘n’s. At any rate, best of luck Curtis. I think you have a rather large job ahead of you, cleaning up the mess left by your predecessor. Oh just in my opinion of course.
Once again another Director not from Halton!
Editor’s note: Hiring decisions are based on merit – not on where you live or who you know. The Board followed a best practice.
Hi Sharon – agree with you. Although all hiring decisions should ultimately be based on merit, as the Editor notes, I really like having top bureaucrats live in the constituency that they serve. Mr Miller lived/lives in Toronto. When the whole issue of school closures in Burlington arose, I would have liked to see him discussing the dynamics with his neighbours as they were both taking out the garbage. Although I understand that City Hall is finally getting a better mix, for years top bureaucrats there made critical decisions affecting our community yet lived elsewhere.