At the regularly scheduled Halton District School Board meeting of Wednesday, February 18, 2015, trustees accepted, with regret, the resignation of Director of Education David Euale. Euale indicated his intent to retire effective August 31, 2015.
In announcing his retirement, Euale reflected on the three boards of trustees he has served during his five years with the Halton District School Board.
“Each Board added value to the already excellent programs offered to Halton students,” Euale said. “During the past five years with the support of each Board of Trustees, we have opened nine new elementary schools and three new high schools. We have seen the full implementation of full day kindergarten along with the modification and expansion of school sites to accommodate this program.”
“We have expanded the availability of eLearning to our secondary students, invited back recent drop outs to see them complete their diplomas, offered early literacy interventions to address our youngest learners and embraced a progressive and province leading math program,” Euale continued. “While continuing our outstanding performance on student achievement we have given substantial attention to the wellness of our students with a mental health strategy and a concussion protocol.”
Euale said the past five years were not without issues but the Board “met those challenges with determination and optimism”. He cited the Board’s Closing the Gap initiative that will substantially assist older schools in providing enhanced environments for learning and labour initiatives that were addressed in a respectful manner maintaining the relationships with employee groups. “Although provincial funding has been restrictive, we have established consecutive budgets that have provided new funds for key instructional initiatives,” said Euale.
Euale also commented on working with three boards and 25 trustees during the past five years. He also spoke highly of the leadership of the senior team – past and present, as retirements during the past five years have seen seven new superintendents join the ranks.
“We have prospered and grown by their wisdom and have tried to model their true dedication. We have conducted our business in a professional manner and have produced many fine results,” said Euale. “I appreciate both the support given and the friendships made.”
Euale confirmed his dedication to continuing to lead the Board in its Multi-Year Plan and Operational Plan until a successor is secured. Trustees will determine the process for the hiring and appointment of a new Director of Education at an upcoming meeting.