December 20th, 2022

Congratulations to Superintendent Ron DeBoer on the announcement of his retirement effective January 31, 2023. Ron has served the WRDSB and public education with great dedication, skill and a commitment to equity and social justice for 33 years.

Ron joined the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) in 1990 as a secondary school English and Physical Education teacher at Eastwood Collegiate Institute (ECI), where he also had the great privilege of coaching many student athletes. He moved on to assume the role of department head of English at Grand River Collegiate Institute (GRCI) before moving into administration in 2007, serving as secondary school Vice-Principal at Eastwood Collegiate Institute (ECI) and Galt Collegiate Institute (GCI), then later as a secondary school Principal at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School (JHSS). Ron became a Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-being in 2016.

“I will truly miss working with everyone throughout the WRDSB that I had the privilege to collaborate alongside each day,” said DeBoer. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity to have been a public educator, to learn with and from fellow educators, support staff and the amazing students who have shaped me. It has been an incredible and profound privilege to serve students, their families and all in our community.”

“I know I speak for everyone who had the pleasure of working with Ron when I say he will truly be missed,” said Director of Education jeewan chanicka. “From schools, to the senior team, Ron brought his experience, vast knowledge and compassion to bear on every project or task that came across his desk.”

We are extremely grateful for the service, commitment and leadership that Ron has brought to the WRDSB and we wish him all the best as he takes on the next chapter in his journey.