Whitby-based Durham District School Board names new Director of Education

Camille Williams-Taylor has been named the next Director of Education for the Durham District School Board, replacing Norah Marsh, who is retiring after 32 years in public education.

Williams-Taylor, an innovative leader and an “accomplished learner” will officially assume the role in the new year.

Williams-Taylor has been the Director of Education at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for the past four years, providing leadership for a school system serving approximately 75,000 students across 143 schools. She has a strong track record in cultivating an environment that embraces creativity, critical thinking and high expectations for learners and staff and also has a strong understanding of the Durham District School Board, where she previously served as a Superintendent of Education from 2011 to 2018.

“I am excited to work collaboratively across the DDSB to extend a vision for public education that is grounded in equity, inclusion, Indigenous rights and human rights to ensure that all students have the best learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment,” Williams-Taylor said. “There is a lot of be proud of at the DDSB over the past few years and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff team to build on this work and continue to focus on student and staff well-being and achievement as we chart a course for all students to maximize their talent and reach their potential.”

In addition to her senior leadership experience in public education, she has been a classroom teacher, a principal, a Ministry of Education student achievement officer and a faculty of education course director. She is also a wife and the mother of three daughters and believes learning happens everywhere, in school, in the community, at home and in families. In every one of her roles she has learned from students, staff, and community leaders and partners.

“We know that Camille has the skills and experience to lead the DDSB out of the pandemic, continue to build a culture of collaborative leadership across the District and create an environment that puts the well-being of employees and students first,” said Durham District School Board Chair Carolyn Morton. “We would also like to thank the current Director of Education, Norah Marsh, who has provided incredible leadership and skillfully led the DDSB during a period of change over the past few years. The DDSB is well-positioned for the future as a result of Norah’s efforts to provide stability and her unrelenting focus on equity, student learning and well-being.”