January 25th, 2021

John Bryant, distinguished Director of Education for the WRDSB today announced his retirement, effective May 31st, 2021. Throughout his long career in Education, which included leadership in numerous other school districts, John has always kept students the centre of his focus. His consistent vision for their well-being and educational success has been honoured and acknowledged across several school districts and by several awards. Throughout John has led with humility, grace, and a deep commitment to teamwork. Partnership with all stakeholders for student success has been a focus of his time with the WRDSB. Human rights and equity has also been at the forefront of his work to ensure every child and staff member has a sense of belonging in our Board. This past year John has calmly and confidently led his team through a pandemic without precedent in recent history, learning and operating in an ever-changing environment. Under his leadership, John and his team created and operationalized parallel platforms, maintained unprecedented coordination with public health and the Ministry to implement safety precautions in schools, and worked with all stakeholders to ensure staff, students and families had the information they needed as soon as possible. While overseeing all of these details, As Director of Education, he never lost sight of his responsibility to operationalize our strategic plan – putting our students first, each and every one.

John Bryant added: “I am retiring with a tremendous sense of gratitude to all of the students, families, staff, trustees and colleagues who have guided me along the path of my career. It’s been such an honour, and I will cherish every one of the relationships I have built.”

Joanne Weston, Chair of the Board of Trustees summarized his contribution: “John has been an outstanding Director of Education for the WRDSB.  On behalf of the Trustees, I want to thank him for his many years of service, his dedication to the students and staff of the WRDSB, and wish him a very happy retirement. His compassionate leadership will be missed by everyone.”

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