Tara Connor has been named the new Superintendent of Education for the HDSB
There will be a new for the Halton District School Board (HDSB).
The current position is held by Scott Podrebarac, who has announced his retirement after 30-years in education, nine of which were spent as the Superintendent of Education for Halton Hills schools.
“Scott is a remarkable and respected leader in Halton and beyond, whose absence will be felt deeply,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB. “Of Scott’s many accomplishments, he has been paramount in building and developing the resources to support safe and inclusive schools; he played an instrumental role in bringing Full Day Kindergarten to the HDSB, building strong partnerships with child care operators and schools, and continues to be a strong proponent of bringing the HDSB Multi-Year Plan to life through effective engagement and storytelling with staff and families. We wish Scott all the best in his retirement and express our heartfelt gratitude for his guidance, friendship and commitment to students.”
To fill the vacancy, the HDSB has hired Tara Connor.
It’s been quite the journey for Connor, having spent the last six years as the Principal of Abbey Park High School in Oakville. She’s also served as an administrator for 20 years across Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. Connor has split time in both public and private education, starting her career as an elementary and secondary school teacher. Over that time, she has created and implemented programs for students from Kindergarten through to postgraduate studies, notably developing courses for Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and Charles Sturt University in Dubbo, Australia.
With her work history, it’s important to note that Connor has been a part of the HDSB community for a while, having served as the past Chair of the Halton Secondary Principals’ Association. She was the HDSB’s System Principal for Managing Information for Student Achievement, providing system-level leadership in the areas of school improvement planning, action research and student success. Also, as the former Principal of Gary Allan Learning Centres, she was responsible for the Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education Programs offered by the HDSB.
“Having been a part of the HDSB community for many years, Tara will be a fantastic addition to the senior administration team,” says Ennis. “With her teaching, administrative and leadership experience, in addition to her school and system level knowledge of the HDSB and its areas of focus and values, Tara will be invaluable in supporting the students and staff of the HDSB.”
Connor will take on the role as of Tuesday, August 1st.
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