About Us

THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
OF ONTARIO'S DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS

What is CODE?

"A Professional Association"

The Council of Ontario Directors of Education, a Professional Association,
represents all Chief Executive Officers of the seventy-two District School Boards in Ontario.

It is the common public voice of Senior School District Administrators working with Government and various Associations.





David De Santes

David DeSantis
Chair of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education 2023-24

As a senior leader and educator, David has committed over 31 years to Catholic education. He has a Master of Education from Brock University, with undergraduate degrees in Education and Commerce from St. Bonaventure and McMaster. He is a Certified Human Resources Professional Designate (CHRP).

He has previously worked with the Halton and Waterloo Catholic District School Boards as a Department Head of Business, Secondary School Vice-Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Education: Student Success and Superintendent of Learning with portfolios in Student Success, Leadership, 21st Century Teaching and Learning and Safe Schools.

In 2017 David was seconded to the Ministry of Education as a Team Lead for the Student Achievement Supports Branch within the Student Achievement Division. His work included Strategic Planning and reporting for Early Years Learning, Student Success, School Effectiveness, and the Renewed Math Strategy for Ontario.

In January 2019, David joined the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board as Director of Education where he has led the development of the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This includes its current implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting bi-annually to the Board of Trustees and providing stakeholder updates accordingly.

David is the Chair the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and of the English Catholic Council of Ontario Directors of Education (ECCODE) where he represents the interests of K-12 education at the highest tables with the provincial government.

David facilitates Module I – The Personal Perspective of the Supervisory Officers’ Qualifications Program, and adjudicates the practicums for prospective Catholic Supervisory Officers through the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association (OCSOA) which operates the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification Program (SOQP) under the name of the Catholic Community Delivery Organization (CCDO).

David is a loving husband and father of five children and two German Short-Haired Pointers. He is passionate about hockey, reading, fitness and a very committed lifelong learner.

• • • • •

David DeSantis , président du Conseil ontarien des directions de l’éducation 2023-24

En tant que cadre supérieur et éducateur, David a consacré plus de 31 ans à l'éducation catholique. Il est titulaire d'une maîtrise en éducation de l'Université Brock et a obtenu des diplômes de premier cycle en éducation et en commerce de Saint-Bonaventure et de McMaster. Il est conseiller en ressources humaines agréé (CRHA).

Auparavant, il a travaillé pour les conseils scolaires catholiques de district de Halton et de Waterloo en tant que chef de département des affaires, directeur adjoint d'école secondaire, directeur d'école, surintendant adjoint de l'éducation, chargé de la réussite des élèves et surintendant de l'apprentissage : Réussite des élèves et surintendant de l'apprentissage, avec des portefeuilles dans les domaines de la réussite des élèves, du leadership, de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage au 21e siècle et de la sécurité dans les écoles.

En 2017, David a été détaché auprès du ministère de l'Éducation en tant que chef d'équipe pour la Direction du soutien à la réussite des élèves au sein de la Division de la réussite des élèves. Son travail comprenait la planification stratégique et l'établissement de rapports pour l'apprentissage de la petite enfance, la réussite des élèves, l'efficacité des écoles et la stratégie renouvelée des mathématiques pour l'Ontario.

En janvier 2019, David a rejoint le Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board en tant que directeur de l'éducation, où il a dirigé l'élaboration du plan stratégique pluriannuel du conseil. Cela comprend sa mise en œuvre actuelle, son suivi, son évaluation, la présentation de rapports semestriels au conseil d'administration et la fourniture de mises à jour aux parties prenantes en conséquence.

David est président du Conseil des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (CODE) et du Conseil catholique anglais des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (ECCODE), où il représente les intérêts de l'éducation de la maternelle à la 12e année dans les plus hautes sphères du gouvernement provincial.

David anime le module I - La perspective personnelle du Programme de qualification des agentes et agents de supervision et évalue les stages des futures agentes et agents de supervision catholiques par l'entremise de l'Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) qui gère le Programme de qualification des agentes et agents de supervision (PQAS) sous le nom d'Organisme catholique de prestation de services communautaires (OCCP).

David est un mari aimant, père de cinq enfants et de deux chiens d'arrêt allemands à poil court. Il est passionné de hockey, de lecture et de fitness, et il est très engagé dans l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie.




Laura Elliott

Laura Elliott
CODE Executive Director

Laura Elliott was the Director of Education and Secretary with Thames Valley District School Board from 2013 – 2019. Previously she served as Executive Superintendent of Program Services with Thames Valley DSB, Superintendent (secondment) Student Success/Learning to 18 with the Ontario Ministry of Education; Manager of Membership Records with the Ontario College of Teachers; and Superintendent of Education with the Durham District School Board. Additionally, she spent three years in Lahr, Germany in Adult Education with the Canadian Forces Base school. With a career in education spanning more than 35 years (with 23 years as a senior leader), she was committed to improving educational outcomes for all students but particularly for those who struggled and have been historically marginalized.

Laura brings knowledge and experience with provincial organizations through her roles on the Executives of both the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and the Public Council of the Ontario Directors of Education (PCODE), President of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA), and member of the University of Western Ontario Senate. She will be assuming the role of Chair of the Board of Governors for Ontario Tech University in September 2022 and is also joining the Fanshawe College Board of Governors.

Directors of Education bring rich and diverse leadership experiences and expertise to Ontario’s publicly funded education system. Laura is proud to serve in the capacity of Executive Director to support their important work as they create new and innovative learning opportunities for all students within Ontario’s 73 districts.

• • • • •

Laura Elliott
Directrice générale de CODE

Laura Elliott a été directrice de l'éducation et secrétaire du Thames Valley District School Board de 2013 à 2019. Auparavant, elle a été surintendante générale des services de programmes au Thames Valley DSB, surintendante (en détachement) de la réussite des élèves et de l'apprentissage jusqu'à l'âge de 18 ans au ministère de l'Éducation de l'Ontario, gestionnaire des dossiers des membres à l'Ordre des enseignantes et des enseignants de l'Ontario et surintendante de l'éducation au Durham District School Board. De plus, elle a passé trois ans à Lahr, en Allemagne, dans le domaine de l'éducation des adultes à l'école de la base des Forces canadiennes. Avec une carrière en éducation de plus de 35 ans (dont 23 ans en tant que cadre supérieur), elle s'est engagée à améliorer les résultats scolaires de tous les élèves, mais surtout de ceux qui ont des difficultés et qui ont été historiquement marginalisés.

Laura apporte ses connaissances et son expérience des organisations provinciales grâce à son rôle au sein de l'exécutif du Conseil ontarien des directrices et directeurs de l'éducation (CODE) et du Conseil public des directrices et directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (PCODE), en tant que présidente de l'Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association (OPSOA) et en tant que membre du Sénat de l'Université Western Ontario. Elle assumera le rôle de présidente du conseil des gouverneurs de l'Université Ontario Tech en septembre 2022 et se joindra également au conseil des gouverneurs du Fanshawe College.

Les directrices et directeurs de l'éducation apportent au système d'éducation financé par les fonds publics de l'Ontario une expérience et une expertise riches et variées en matière de leadership. Laura est fière de servir en tant que directrice générale pour soutenir leur important travail, qui consiste à créer des possibilités d'apprentissage nouvelles et novatrices pour tous les élèves des 73 districts de l'Ontario.

Traduit avec www.DeepL.com/Translator (version gratuite)



Background:

In 1991 the Council of Ontario Directors of Education was formed in response to calls to formalize the handling of emerging issues
in provincial public education, to provide a method of networking and to represent the view of senior executives to the
Ontario Ministry of Education.


The prime objective of the organization at its outset was to provide a means of communication for its members and to establish an open and positive relationship with the Minister of Education and the Deputy Minister. In order to make this happen effectively, the following program has been put in place:

  • Regular monthly meetings with the Deputy Minister based on a common agenda.
  • An annual conference in January.
  • Position papers on significant issues
  • Professional development sessions
  • Liaison with affiliate organizations

Present Role:

CODE maintains a high level of activity working with various branches of the Ontario Ministry of Education as an advocate of boards and as a broker for numerous projects.

CODE operates a number of curriculum projects for the Ministry of Education and for various other organizations.

Goals:

  • To advocate for progressive and effective public education
  • To provide the Ontario Ministry of Education with positive and accurate advice
  • To communicate effectively with all senior educators in Ontario
  • To provide members with a forum to discuss current issues and put forth positions
  • To liaise with other professional organizations in Canada and in other countries

Structure:

CODE is made up of six (6) Directors appointed by the Public District School Boards in Ontario, six (6) Directors appointed by the Catholic District School Boards and three (3) Directors appointed by the French language District School Boards.
The organization also has an Executive Director.


The CODE Executive acts as a regular liaison for the Directors of the seventy-two Public, Catholic and French language District School Boards in Ontario. The Deputy Minister of Education consults frequently with this group and meets with them monthly. The executive operates by consensus and focuses on general issues affecting students and the operation of school boards.


The organization does not vote on issues, but works to consensus.


Minutes of meetings are circulated to all provincial members.

CODE Executive 2022 - 2023:
Last Name First Name Organization Title
Bénard Joanne Sudbury CDSB  
Bertrand Marc CEC du Centre-Est CODEC CHAIR
Campbell Heather Rainy River DSB PCODE CHAIR
DeSantis David Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB CODE CHAIR
Dye Lesleigh DSB Ontario North East  
Fisher Mark Thames Valley DSB  
Fontaine Sébastien CSP du Grand Nord de l’Ontario VICE CHAIR CODELF
Hahn Wes Trillium Lakelands DSB  
Hansen David Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB  
Laliberté Yves CSP du Nord-Est de l’Ontario CODEP CHAIR
Levac Serge CSC Franco-Nord CODELF CHAIR
Major-Levesque Mireille CSDC Aurores boréales VICE CHAIR CODEC
Mazzorato Marianne Dufferin-Peel CDSB  
Morden-Cormier Nicole Superior-Greenstone DSB  
Reece Lucia Algoma DSB  
Roehrig Chris Huron-Perth Catholic DSB  
Russell-Rawlins Colleen Toronto DSB  
Sovran Peter Upper Grand DSB  
Tssone Pino Thunder Bay Catholic DSB  
Williams-Taylor Camille Durham DSB  




Elliott Laura CODE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CODE
Kostoff John OCSOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OCSOA/ECCODE
Hoshizaki Warren PCODE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PCODE
Badder Joy OPSOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPSOA
Lamarche Schmalz Jennifer AGEFO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AGEFO
Deschamp Claude CFORP DIRECTOR GENERAL CFORP
Updated January 8, 2024      
List of Directors of Education By School Board:
School Board First Name Last Name
Algoma DSB Lucia Reece
Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB David DeSantis
Avon Maitland DSB Lisa Walsh
Bluewater DSB Lori Wilder
Brant Haldimand Norfolk CDSB Michael McDonald
Bruce-Grey CDSB Gary O'Donnell
CDSB of Eastern Ontario Laurie Corrigan
CEC du Centre-Est Marc Bertrand
CEP de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) Stephane Vachon
Conseil scolaire Viamonde Michel Laverdière
Consortium Centre Jules-Léger Jean-François Boulanger
CSC du Nouvel-Ontario Paul Henry
CSP du Grand Nord de l'Ontario Sébastien Fontaine
CSP du Nord-Est de l'Ontario Yves Laliberté
CSC MonAvenir Nicole Mollot
CSDC de l'est ontarien (CSDCEO) Lyne Racine (I)
CSDC des Aurores Boreales Mireille Major-Levesque
CSDC des Grandes Rivieres Jérémie Lepage
CSDC Franco-Nord Serge Levac
CSC Providence Carolyn Bastien (I)
DSB of Niagara Kelly Pisek
DSB Ontario North East Lesleigh Dye
Dufferin-Peel CDSB Marianne Mazzorato
Durham CDSB Tracy Barill
Durham DSB Camille Williams-Taylor
Grand Erie DSB JoAnna Roberto
Greater Essex County DSB Vicki Houston
Halton CDSB John Klein
Halton DSB Curtis Ennis
Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB David Hansen
Hamilton-Wentworth DSB Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Hastings and Prince Edward DSB Katherine MacIver
Huron-Perth CDSB Chris Roehrig
James Bay Lowlands SSB/Moosonee DSAB Angela Tozer
Huron-Superior CDSB Danny Viotto
Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB Rita Russo
Keewatin-Patricia DSB Christy Radbourne
Kenora CDSB Nicole Kurtz
Lakehead DSB Sherri-Lynne Pharand
Lambton Kent DSB John Howitt
Limestone DSB Krishna Burra
London DCSB Vince Romeo
Near North DSB Craig Myles
Niagara CDSB Camillo Cipriano
Nipissing-Parry Sound CDSB Paula Mann
Northeastern CDSB Tricia Stefanic Weltz
Northwest CDSB Jackie Robinson
Ottawa Catholic School Board Thomas D'Amico
Ottawa-Carleton DSB Pino Buffone
Peel DSB Rashmi Swarup (I)
Peterb. Vic. North.& Clarington CDSB Stephen O'Sullivan
Rainbow DSB Bruce Bourget
Rainy River DSB Heather Campbell
Renfrew County CDSB Marc Searson
Renfrew County DSB Kristen Niemi
Simcoe County DSB John Dance (I)
Simcoe Muskoka CDSB Frances Bagley
St. Clair CDSB Scott Johnson
Sudbury CDSB Joanne Bénard
Superior North CDSB Maria Vasanelli
Superior-Greenstone DSB Nicole Morden-Cormier
Thames Valley DSB Mark Fisher
Thunder Bay CDSB Pino Tassone
Toronto CDSB Brendan Browne
Toronto DSB Colleen Russell-Rawlins
Trillium Lakelands DSB Wes Hahn
Upper Canada DSB Ron Ferguson
Upper Grand DSB Peter Sovran
Waterloo CDSB Tyrone Dowling
Waterloo Region DSB jeewan chanicka
Wellington Catholic DSB Michael Glazier
Windsor-Essex CDSB Emelda Byrne
York CDSB Domenic Scuglia
York Region DSB Bill Cober
Updated January 8, 2024