After seven years as Director of Education with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Loretta Notten will retire from the helm.
"I am proud of the work we achieved together in the 7 years that I served Waterloo Catholic as Director. I feel blessed to have served 35 years in Catholic education and my passion for the work is only stronger today, as it has been with each passing year," she said in a statement to CityNews 570.
Notten's last day will be August 31, 2022.
Chair of the Board Jean Gravelle said, "This is a significant loss for WCDSB -- but over the past seven years leading our board, Director Notten has built a strong, thriving school community which will continue to benefit from her impact for years to come."
"We are truly grateful for the years that she has given to our system, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
Some of Notten's accomplishments were listed:
- Established practice of the three-year Pastoral Plan
- Implemented two Multi-Year Strategic Plans rooted in the Catholic faith "with a focus on student and staff well-being and success"
- Grew the WCDSB system by over 5,000 students, with several new schools planned in coming years under Notten's leadership
- Led students and staff through the pandemic
There was no mention of recent controversy by Notten or WCDSB.
In February, advocacy groups called on Notten to step down due to her handling of an incident involving a police call made on a four-year-old Black boy by John Sweeney Catholic Elementary School.
It prompted a review ordered by Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.
At the time, Notten expressed offence at concerns of racism in the school board.
She later apologized and said WCDSB is committed to anti-Black racism, which was met with criticism.
The provincial review wasn't made public, but contained recommendations intended to help address anti-Black racism.
"Throughout my career I have always tried to hold as my moral imperative what is best for each child in my care. With each step that perhaps becomes a little more challenging as you take one step further from the classroom. But I believe you can make a difference in any and all roles in education," said Notten.
Notten became WCDSB's first female Director in 2015.
She started her career in Catholic education in 1987 as a teacher in the York Catholic District School Board.
Her various roles have included Principal, Program Coordinator, and Superintendent of Learning at the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
WCDSB trustees will start the search for a new director in the coming months.
