A changing of the guard is coming to one of Chatham-Kent’s largest school boards.
John Howitt has announced he is retiring as Director of Education at the Lambton Kent District School Board.
His 33-year career in education began as a core French teacher in Windsor. He then moved up the ranks of the Greater Essex County District school Board, where he was named Superintendent of Education in 2009. In July, 2019, Howitt was appointed Director of the LKDSB.
During his tenure, the board’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice department was established, its strategic priorities were modernized, and annual operational plans were created to guide the actions and objectives of the board’s senior administration and staff.
Howitt also oversaw 62 schools in Chatham-Kent and Lambton County, more than 3300 staff members, and nearly 22,000 students and their families through the challenges and evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am incredibly grateful to have spent my career surrounded by individuals dedicated to the safety, happiness, health, well-being, and success of children,” said Howitt in a news release. “Throughout my career, supporting students has been at the heart of my work. As my career took me away from teaching in a classroom, I was able to continue this important work through mentoring many extraordinary individuals.”
“This retirement is truly well deserved,” says LKDSB Board Chair Randy Campbell. “John has led with great compassion and leaves behind a significant legacy. Our Board and the staff and students we serve have greatly benefited from his exceptional leadership and he will be greatly missed.”
Howitt’s last day on the job will be April 30, 2025. The Board of Trustees approved the engagement of a search firm to begin the recruitment process for Howitt’s replacement at its meeting Tuesday night. It is anticipated interviews will be held at the end of January.
