The London District Catholic School Board has announced the upcoming retirement of its Education Director.
Linda Staudt will leave her position on July 31, 2021. Staudt has been the LDCSB Director of Education for eight years, and her retirement will bring to an end a 36 year career in education. Prior to joining the LDCSB, Staudt worked in Windsor and Toronto. Her career has included eight years as Director of Education for the LDCSB, as well as eight years as a Superintendent for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and at the Ministry of Education in Toronto, 10 years as a classroom teacher, and 10 years as a Principal/Vice-Principal.
“I will conclude my term as Director with the knowledge and confidence that the board is very well positioned in its people, finances and culture of service and ‘patient accompaniment’ to continue the excellent innovative work in progress and further launch new and exciting initiatives,” Staudt said in a statement released Tuesday by the Board. “I am very proud of the outstanding talent at all levels that we have developed within the board and also attracted from outside the board.”
According to the LDCSB, Staudt's time as Education Director saw the Board overcome a $6-million operating deficit, increase enrollment by 4,000 students, and open two new schools with three more on the way.
“When Director Linda Staudt joined the LDCSB she was asked to be an agent of change and bring our Board to the next level,” said LDCSB Chair Linda Steel. “These were big asks and challenges! She successfully met those challenges, despite some unexpected hurdles along the way – like a pandemic. In all situations, Linda asked and pursued 'how can we do better?' Her faith-filled, collaborative, and unwaveringly positive leadership style inspired others to do more and better. She has truly modelled the Catholic Graduate Expectations. Linda’s love of our students has been evident in her every action. She is leaving this Board with a strong strategic road map to build on for years to come. LDCSB has been blessed with her humble, effective, caring Catholic leadership – and we are grateful.”
The Board says it will begin a formal search for Staudt's replacement in the coming weeks, with a goal of having a new Director in place this summer.