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.

Frank Kelly
Executive Director

With a career spanning more than fifty years in public education, in the Province of Ontario,
Frank Kelly is acknowledged as a leader and innovator to his colleagues in district school boards and Governments throughout Ontario, across Canada and internationally.

Throughout his career Frank has held a variety of senior administrative roles including that of Principal,
Superintendent and Director of Education.

After twelve years in the position Frank recently submitted notice of his retirement as President and Executive Director of The Ontario Public Supervisory Officials' Association. More information is available at the OPSOA web site.

Frank continues to inspire and provide leadership as the Executive Director of CODE.

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.

Current Activities:

  • On-going discussions with Ministry of Education regarding the current labour situations
  • Discussions with all provincial Trustee organizations
  • Frequent representations for special education funding
  • Recommendations regarding teacher recruitment and renewal
  • Involvement in decisions on new technology for schools
  • Development of resources for teachers to implement new curriculum
  • Leadership programs for current and aspiring administrators
  • Input to provincial funding considerations
  • Involvement in provincial labour negotiations
  • Involvement with provincial initiatives such as; Early Childhood Education, Safe Schools Procedures,
    Anti-Bullying initiatives and Children's Mental Health initiatives

CODE Executive 2012 - 2013:
Last Name First Name Organization Title
Arbour Michele Renfrew County CDSB  
Beckett Martyn Durham DSB CHAIR CODE
Drone Don Wellington CDSB PAST-CHAIR CODE
Fabi Linda Waterloo Region DSB  
Gallien Roch CSD du Nord-Est de l'Ontario  
Hunter Brenda Limestone DSB  
Hunter-Perreault Gyslaine Conseil scolaire Viamonde  
Kelly Mary-Catherine Northwest CDSB  
Kennedy Warren Greater Essex County DSB  
MacPherson Bruce Bruce-Grey CDSB  
McCullough Catherine Sudbury CDSB  
Pautler Michael Halton CDSB  
Roy Bernard CEC du Centre-Est  
Siemieniuk Catherine Lakehead DSB  
Thurston Ken York Region DSB  
Harris Theresa OCSOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OCSOA
Soule Kathy OPSOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPSOA
Kelly Frank CODE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CODE