DDSB Appoints New Associate Director of Equitable Education

New Associate Director will continue focus on student success, well-being and equity initiatives

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Markovski to the position of Associate Director of Equitable Education.

Jim is an experienced educator that has been with the DDSB for over 20 years, starting his career as an elementary teacher. He was appointed Acting Associate Director of Academic Services in 2020 and has played an important leadership role to help the system navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. His appointment is effective immediately.

Jim previously served as Superintendent of Education since 2016 where he was responsible for the Early Years, Poverty Reduction Strategy and Ignite Durham Learning Foundation portfolios. He has been the Staff Development Officer responsible for Equity and Inclusive Education, the New Teacher Induction Program, Parent Engagement and a variety of subject specific portfolios, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), along with serving as a vice principal and principal at multiple schools across the District.

In his role as Associate Director, Equitable Education, Jim will be supporting Family of Schools Superintendents and will guide both Leadership and Operations. This position replaces the previous position of Associate Director, Academic Services and serves to reflect the DDSB’s commitment to place equity at the heart of decision making.

Through his comprehensive experience across the DDSB and relying on his lived experience as someone who immigrated to Canada as a child and enrolled in a public education ESL program, Jim brings with him a commitment to support and enhance the District’s focus on equity, inclusion and combatting racism.

Jim holds a Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry (Specialist), a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Educational Management.

With this appointment, Superintendent Erin Elmhurst will now transition from an acting capacity into a permanent appointment as Superintendent of Education. Erin will continue to oversee the Early Years, Poverty Strategy and Partnership Development portfolios and will share responsibility for Indigenous Education with Superintendent Mohamed Hamid.

Quotes:

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Jim Markovski as Associate Director, Equitable Education. Jim has a strong track record of achievement with the DDSB and has clearly demonstrated his leadership abilities in navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year.”

– Carolyn Morton, Chair, Durham District School Board

 “Jim’s extensive experience within the DDSB, his focus on collaboration and problem solving will complement and strengthen the work being undertaken by our outstanding senior team. His deep commitment to poverty reduction, equity, inclusion and anti-racism will help expand the District’s efforts to address institutional racism and oppression. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Jim to put student success, well-being and equity at the forefront.”

-  Norah Marsh, Director of Education

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 72,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.