The Avon Maitland District School Board of Trustees has appointed a new Director of Education to replace Dr. Lisa Walsh.
Dr. Graham Shantz was raised in the region, and said it will be an honour to work for the system where he started his education journey.
"I was born and raised in the district and I'm a former Avon Maitland District school student myself," he exclaimed. "So I'm quite excited to be rejoining the team that really launched my career in public education."
Shantz spent 26 years in various roles at the Waterloo Region District School Board, most recently as Associate Director, where he was responsible for leading the human resources and equity, information technology, finance, planning, and facilities functions.
His other positions included teacher, principal, Executive Officer, Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-Being and Coordinating Superintendent.
"During his tenure, he supported student achievement, the migration of the IT network to cloud services, recovery from a cyber incident, changes in hiring practices which now reward lived experiences, transformation to more accessible school buildings and new facilities that incorporate nature in architectural and landscape design," according to a statement from the AMDSB. "He has worked closely with librarians, trades, educators and non-education staff to create innovative solutions that centre students."
Shantz said he feels prepared to take on the new challenge.
"I've been very fortunate over my career and I have a wide breadth of leadership experiences. And many of these have been focused directly in supporting schools while supporting student achievement and well being," Shantz explained. "But I've also been very fortunate to work with the service side of the organization and appreciate that the roles within the business side of the organization play an important part in supporting staff, and students as well."
Shantz pointed out the Avon Maitland Board is complex organization
"It has a budget of over a quarter million dollars, so we need to make sure that we're working collaboratively to maximize these dollars to support the learning environment for our students," Shantz emphasized. "And also the working environment for our staff."
Shantz said he has had a very good first impression.
"The school Board has a wonderful reputation for students centered approaches to teaching and learning," he said. "I must also add that I have been feeling so welcomed by the many reach-outs from staff, both current and retired, that have sent many welcoming messages. That is very much appreciated."
Shantz stressed that students are the first priority.
"The overarching goal is to make sure that every student in the Avon Maitland District School Board feels welcome when they come to school, that they enjoy their time in their classrooms, and they feel supported by the adults that are with them. Because ultimately, we want to make sure that they are prepared for the challenges and the opportunity as they leave our system, to make their mark on the world," he continued. "The other piece that is incredibly important for students is to make sure that they realize that their voice has an impact, that the decisions we make as leaders in an organization are based on that voice of students. That helps guide the decisions that we make as we move forward together."
Shantz has studied at the University of Western Ontario where he earned his Masters and has a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
“AMDSB is delighted to welcome Dr. Graham Shantz as our new Director of Education, "Board Chair Robert Hunking said,. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and we look forward to his leadership in working together with our students and staff."
"We want to express our appreciation to Dr. Lisa Walsh for her excellent leadership and vision over the past 7 years as Director. Lisa’s focus on teamwork, service and leadership has resulted in the significant progress of AMDSB," added Hunking. " Her 35 year career in education has been exemplary and inspiring, and we wish her years of health and happiness in this next adventure of retirement."