After a 33-year career in education, Lambton Kent District School Board’s director of education is retiring.
John Howitt, who has led the local public board for the past six years, will step away from the role in April 2025.
“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 in a media release. “Throughout my career, supporting students has been at the heart of my work.”
After his career path took him away from teaching in the classroom, Howitt said he was able to continue this work through mentoring many “extraordinary individuals.”
Howitt spent 27 years with the Greater Essex County District School Board before joining the LKDSB. He started off as a core French teacher in Windsor before becoming a vice-principal during school board amalgamations in 1998. In 2003, he became a principal and in 2006 had the honour of opening and being the inaugural principal at Lakeshore Discovery School.
In 2009, Howitt advanced to become a superintendent of education, overseeing a significant portfolio that included information technology, elementary staffing and families of school. During that time, he was honoured with the Ontario Principals Council Paul Lajeunesse Award for leadership, Microsoft’s Bob Allison Award for leadership in educational technology implementation, and the “Most Horrible Singing Voice” by a Grade 5 class.
During his tenure with the LKDSB, Howitt has been dedicated to ensuring the success of all students. Under his leadership, the equity, diversity, inclusion and justice (EDIJ) department was established, the board’s strategic priorities were modernized and annual operational plans were created to guide senior staff and administration. He achieved this while leading 62 schools, 22,000 students and more than 3,300 staff members.
Guiding the board through the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is another of Howitt’s accomplishments.
Board chair Randy Campbell said the director’s retirement is well deserved.
“John has led with great compassion and leaves behind a significant legacy,” Campbell stated. “Our board and the staff and students we serve have greatly benefitted from his exceptional leadership and he will be greatly missed.”
Howitt’s many contributions to the community also includes leading roles with various provincial education agencies.
In his retirement, Howitt is looking forward to spending quality time with his wife Patti, their two daughters and his future son-in-law.
