John Howitt, education director of the Lambton Kent District school board since 2019, will retire at the end of April, the board says.
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Howitt was appointed to the post in July 2019 to lead English language public schools in Lambton County and Chatham-Kent after 27 years with the Greater Essex County District school board.
His retirement was announced by the Lambton Kent board in a release Tuesday evening.
“I am incredibly grateful to have spent my career surrounded by individuals dedicated to the safety, happiness, health, well-being, and success of children,” Howitt said. “Throughout my career, supporting students has been at the heart of my work.”
He began his career as a French teacher in Windsor and went on to serve as a vice-principal, principal and superintendent.
During his tenure, the Lambton Kent board established an equity, diversity, inclusion and justice department, strategic priorities were modernized and annual operational plans created, the board said.
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Howitt, who oversees 62 schools with nearly 22,000 students and pupils and more than 3,000 staff in Lambton Kent, led the board during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“John has led with great compassion and leaves behind a significant legacy,” board chairperson Randy Campbell said. “Our board and the staff and students we serve have greatly benefited from his exceptional leadership and he will be greatly missed.”
In February, the board approved a five-year contract renewal for Howitt through July 31, 2029.
Howitt said he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“I have been fortunate to have worked within two school boards and been exposed to many others across the province and Canada,” he said.
“I can say, unequivocally, that the work taking place in Lambton Kent. . . board on behalf of its students is exceptional and our staff consistently go above and beyond to support their students.”
Howitt thanked the board “for welcoming me into the family six years ago and for their steadfast commitment to fostering success for every student every day.”
Last month, Scott Johnson announced he will retire at the end of March as education director of the St. Clair Catholic District school board, which also serves Lambton County and Chatham-Kent.
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