New Director of Education appointed

Near North District School Board
News Release

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The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce Heli Vail as Director of Education. Heli will be replacing Colin Vickers, who retired on July 31st.

Heli returned to the Near North District School Board last year, when she accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools and Program. She began her teaching career with this same board and served as principal, vice-principal and teacher.

Prior to her supervisory officer appointment, Heli was a Chair and Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University. In addition, Heli worked for the Northeastern Ministry of Education Regional Office as an Education Officer responsible for the special education portfolio and elementary and secondary curriculum initiatives. Heli is well known for work in educational leadership. She has worked on the Ontario Principals’ Council Committee on the development of the Supervisory Officer’s course as well as acting as an advisor for the development and implementation of the Principal Qualifications Program for Nipissing University. She has presented her research and provided keynote addresses, research papers and workshops at several national and international educational conferences.

The new director will focus on three target areas: student achievement, fiscal management and promoting the exemplary work of the Near North’s teachers and staff. Vail says, “Students are the most important business for the Near North District School Board and together with our teachers, principals, parents and our community, we will continue to make a significant difference in the lives and achievement of our students”. She believes it is essential to understand, acknowledge and appreciate the needs of the various education stakeholders in our small, geographically diverse board. As the director of education, she sees ways that the Character Education initiative can be used as the thread to bring the board together with a common goal and vision. “I know that all of the educators and staff in the Near North District School Board work every day for our students and I am privileged to be a part of that team”.

“I am very happy to see Heli Vail as our new director. She brings intelligence, honesty, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to the position. She will help the Near North District School Board reach new heights of educational excellence,” stated Alan Bottomley, Chair of the Near North District School Board.

Heli takes on the role of Near North District School Board Director of Education effective today.

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