The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is in the market for a new director of education.
Laura Elliott, who has held the position since 2013, announced Thursday she will retire next summer.
“The decision to retire from serving in public education after 39 years is not an easy one,” Elliott said in a letter to Trustees this week. “But the time is right – professionally and personally."
Elliott began working at the Thames Valley board in 2007. She was appointed to the director of education post six years later and was responsible for an annual budget of approximately $950 million. Prior to her arrival in London, Elliott held a variety of roles in education for the Durham District School Board, the Department of National Defence, the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
“I will always look back on my career with Thames Valley with a sense of pride, hope, and optimism,” said Elliott.
She has been described as an “exceptional leader” by School Board Chair Arlene Morell, who added that Elliott leaves behind a “legacy of excellence that has enriched the educational experience of students across the district.”
The search to find the school board's next director of education will begin in the new year.
Elliott will officially leave her post in August 2019.