The director of education for the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is retiring from her role.
Lori Wilder made the announcement during a regular board meeting on Dec. 17 after a nearly 40-year career with the BWDSB.
“It was a combination of many things, including it was certainly the right time. I have just been so appreciative of the career I have had in Bluewater District School Board, but when I do go at the end of the school year, I will have 39 years in education within Grey and Bruce counties,” says Wilder.
During her career, she served for over a decade as a superintendent of education, overseeing various elementary and secondary school areas. She also served as a teacher for many years and coached sports.
“I have many fond memories. When I started, I was a secondary teacher at Georgian Bay Secondary School and one of my passions was coaching, I remember all the teams I coached,” says Wilder. “I really enjoyed my work as a superintendent because much of it was dedicated to student success and well-being and a real focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.”
The school board adds Wilder has been a strong advocate for Indigenous education and strengthening relationship with local First Nation communities.
During the board’s recent meeting, she says the trustees approved bringing on a firm to help search for her replacement.
“It will be a very thorough process that will happen with the search company while they do that, and that will happen between now and my time of retirement,” says Wilder. “Whomever will be successful in becoming the next director of education will truly be well-positioned to build on the positive work of this board and the senior team and all the staff we have.”
Wilder adds while she does not have any solid plans for how she would like to spend her retirement, she would like to continue being active and hopes to travel.
“I just really feel truly privileged and have thoroughly enjoyed working for such an amazing organization. It’s a great board and we have students at the heart of every decision we make,” says Wilder.
Her final day will be Aug. 31, 2025.