New director of education hired

After an extensive search, the Upper Grand District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Sovran as the new Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer, effective September 1, 2021. 

Given the long-standing tenure of current Director of Education Martha Rogers, the search process for a new Director was a very large undertaking and the Board of Trustees is grateful for the assistance of Jordene Lyttle and Marilyn Gouthro of executive search firm Promeus during this process. The search involved consultation with stakeholders in the educational community including, but not limited to, union groups, senior staff, parent advisory groups, Student Senate, and community partners.  

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am happy to welcome Peter to the Upper Grand District School Board. He is eager to get to know everyone in our system and to begin our work together.  Peter's range of experiences at both the board level and at the Ministry of Education will serve him well in his new position,” said UGDSB Chair of the Board Martha MacNeil.  

Sovran's career portfolio over the past 27 years has included a variety of senior leadership positions with the Hamilton-Wentworth, York Region and Toronto District School Boards and the Ontario Ministry of Education. He is currently an Associate Director at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and is one of the longest serving Associate Directors of Education in the province. Prior to this role Sovran was an Executive Superintendent and a Superintendent of Student Achievement. He has served as a Senior Manager and Senior Policy Advisor with the Ministry of Education. Sovran has been an elementary school principal and vice-principal and has taught in all grade divisions, elementary and secondary, including adult education. 

Sovran has a proven track-record of strategic, transformative leadership that has resulted in impactful changes to public education in Ontario with a particular focus on improving student achievement, well-being and equity of outcomes. His commitment to addressing the gaps in student learning that exist due to systemic and historic barriers was further cemented during his two years working with the Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council First Nations School in north-western Ontario. 

“I am very humbled and excited about the opportunity to work with the dedicated trustees, staff, and community partners that serve the students of the Upper Grand 

District School Board,” said Sovran. “Together, we will ensure that UGDSB continues its well-established position as a leader in learning, service excellence, environmental literacy and is proudly reflective of the distinct communities in its boundaries.” 

“After 26 years of outstanding leadership from Dr. Rogers, our system is strong, stable, and thriving. Building on this solid foundation, we are looking forward to an exciting future for the UGDSB,” said MacNeil.  

Sovran officially commences the role of UGDSB Director of Education and SecretaryTreasurer on September 1, 2021. He will begin his transition process over the coming months.