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

Lesleigh Dye
Chair of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education 2024-25

As the proud director of education for District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1), Lesleigh is entering her eighth year and is delighted to work with an incredible group of staff. Prior to serving in DSB1, she was a supervisory officer with the Rainbow DSB. She has also worked as a system principal in both Ottawa Carleton DSB and Toronto DSB. While in Ottawa, she was part of the first cohort of Student Success Leaders across Ontario.

Lesleigh is passionate about her ongoing learning and is more than halfway through her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in interdisciplinary social research, focusing on the connection between collective leader efficacy and improving student attendance. The student attendance rates in DSB1 are on a steady incline.

As the Chair of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and of the English Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education (PCODE), Lesleigh represents the interests of K-12 education at the highest tables with the provincial government. She feels passionately about CODE and believes we are stronger together. Lesleigh is also fortunate to serve on the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA) Board as well as the Board of Contact North.

Lesleigh has previously taught the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification Program (SOQP) and is now delighted to be invited as a speaker for various modules. Lesleigh loves to listen and learn from others across the province.

Lesleigh has an incredible life partner and they share a home on the West Arm of Lake Nipissing with their amazing rescue dog Matilda. She adores being outside in the sun, rain and snow, reading and connecting with friends.

• • • • •

Lesleigh Dye
Présidente du Conseil des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario 2024-25

En tant que fière directrice de l'éducation du District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1), Lesleigh entame sa huitième année et est ravie de travailler avec un groupe d'employés incroyables. Avant de travailler au DSB1, elle était agente de supervision au Rainbow DSB. Elle a également travaillé comme directrice de système au Ottawa Carleton DSB et au Toronto DSB. À Ottawa, elle a fait partie de la première cohorte de leaders pour la réussite des élèves en Ontario.

Lesleigh est passionnée par son apprentissage continu et est à plus de la moitié de son doctorat en recherche sociale interdisciplinaire, axé sur le lien entre l'efficacité collective des leaders et l'amélioration de l'assiduité des élèves. Le taux d'assiduité des élèves de l'école DSB1 est en constante augmentation.

En tant que présidente du Conseil des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (CODE) et du Conseil public anglophone des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (PCODE), Lesleigh représente les intérêts de l'éducation de la maternelle à la 12e année dans les plus hautes sphères du gouvernement provincial. Elle est passionnée par le CODE et croit que nous sommes plus forts ensemble. Lesleigh a également la chance de siéger au conseil d'administration de l'Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association (OPSOA) ainsi qu'au conseil d'administration de Contact Nord.

Lesleigh a déjà enseigné le programme de qualification des agents de supervision (SOQP) et est maintenant ravie d'être invitée comme conférencière pour divers modules. Lesleigh aime écouter et apprendre des autres dans toute la province.

Lesleigh a un partenaire de vie incroyable et ils partagent une maison sur le bras ouest du lac Nipissing avec leur incroyable chien de sauvetage Matilda. Elle adore être à l'extérieur, au soleil, sous la pluie et dans la neige, lire et nouer des liens avec ses amis.




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 is currently the Chair of the Board of Governors for Ontario Tech University and is a member of the Fanshawe College Board of Governors.

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 is currently the Chair of the Board of Governors for Ontario Tech University and is a member of the Fanshawe College Board of Governors.

• • • • •

Laura Elliott
CODE Directrice exécutive

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 exécutive 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. En outre, 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 de plus de 35 ans dans l'éducation (dont 23 ans en tant que cadre supérieur), elle s'est engagée à améliorer les résultats scolaires de tous les élèves, mais en particulier de ceux qui ont des difficultés et qui ont été historiquement marginalisés.

Laura apporte ses connaissances et son expérience des organisations provinciales grâce à ses rôles au sein des exécutifs du Conseil des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (CODE) et du Conseil public des 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 de Western Ontario. Elle est actuellement présidente du conseil d'administration de l'Université technique de l'Ontario et membre du conseil d'administration du Fanshawe College.

Les directeurs de l'éducation apportent au système éducatif public de l'Ontario une expérience et une expertise riches et diversifiées en matière de leadership. Laura est fière d'occuper le poste de directrice exécutive afin de soutenir leur important travail qui consiste à créer des possibilités d'apprentissage nouvelles et innovantes pour tous les élèves des 73 districts de l'Ontario.



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 2024 - 2025:
Last Name First Name Organization Title
Bénard Joanne Sudbury CDSB  
Bertrand Marc CEC du Centre-Est CHAIR CODEC
Burra Krishna Limestone DSB  
DeSantis David Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB  
Dye Lesleigh DSB Ontario North East CODE CHAIR
Fisher Mark Thames Valley DSB  
Fontaine Sébastien CSP du Grand Nord de l’Ontario CHAIR CODELF
Hahn Wes Trillium Lakelands DSB  
Hansen David Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB  
Laliberté Yves CSP du Nord-Est de l’Ontario CHAIR CODEP
MacIver Katherine Hastings & Prince Edward DSB  
Major-Levesque Mireille CSDC Aurores boréales VICE CHAIR CODELF
Mazzorato Marianne Dufferin-Peel CDSB  
Pharand Sherri-Lynn Lakehead DSB  
Roehrig Chris Huron-Perth Catholic DSB  
Russell-Rawlins Colleen Toronto DSB  
Sovran Peter Upper Grand DSB  
Vasanelli Maria Superior-North CDSB  




Elliott Laura CODE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CODE
Kostoff John OCSOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ECCODE/OCSOA
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 July 31, 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 Graham Shantz
Bluewater DSB Lori Wilder
Brant Haldimand Norfolk CDSB Michael McDonald
Bruce-Grey CDSB Karyn Bruneel
CDSB of Eastern Ontario Laurie Corrigan
CEC du Centre-Est Marc Bertrand
CEP de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) Christian-Charle Bouchard
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
CSDC des Aurores Boreales Mireille Major-Levesque
CSDC des Grandes Rivieres Jérémie Lepage
CSDC Franco-Nord Serge Levac
CSC Providence Carolyn Bastien
DSB of Niagara Kelly Pisek
DSB Ontario North East Lesleigh Dye
Dufferin-Peel CDSB Marianne Mazzorato
Durham CDSB Gerard Winn
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 Fil Lettieri
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
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
Simcoe Muskoka CDSB Frances Bagley
St. Clair CDSB Scott Johnson
Sudbury CDSB Joanne Bénard
Superior North CDSB Maria Vasanelli
Superior-Greenstone DSB Will Goodman
Thames Valley DSB Bill Tucker (I)
Thunder Bay CDSB Jean-Paul Tennier
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 John De Faveri (I)
York Region DSB Bill Cober
Updated September 17, 2024