John Howitt, Director of Education for the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), has announced his intention to retire April 30 2025, concluding a distinguished 33-year career in education.
Howitt was appointed Director of the LKDSB in July 2019, following a 27-year tenure with the Greater Essex County District School Board.
“I am incredibly grateful to have spent my career surrounded by individuals dedicated to the safety, happiness, health, well-being, and success of children," said Howitt. “Throughout my career, supporting students has been at the heart of my work. As my career took me away from teaching in a classroom, I was able to continue this important work through mentoring many extraordinary individuals."
Howitt began his career as a Core French teacher in Windsor before becoming a Vice Principal during the school board amalgamations in 1998. In 2003, he was promoted to the role of Principal and in 2006 had the honour of opening and being the inaugural Principal at Lakeshore Discovery School.
In 2009, Howitt advanced to the position of Superintendent of Education, overseeing a significant portfolio that included Information Technology, Elementary Staffing, and families of schools. During this period, he was honored with the Ontario Principals Council Paul Lajeunesse Award for Leadership, Microsoft's Bob Allison Award for Leadership in Educational Technology Implementation and awarded “The Most Horrible Singing Voice" by Gordon McGregor Public School's Grade 5M class of 2000-2001 – which has not stopped him from singing in or around his office to this day.
Howitt has also contributed to the community in various roles, including:
- Member of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association Board of Directors
- Member of the Chatham-Kent Community Leaders' Cabinet
- Chair of the South West Council of Ontario Directors in Education
- Executive Member of the CAES-ECAB Employee Benefit Trust