As Ottawa embraces educational change this spring, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has appointed Stacey Kay as its new Director of Education. The announcement comes after an extensive search process that concluded with unanimous board approval last Tuesday evening.
Kay, who brings over 20 years of educational leadership experience to the position, will step into the role on July 1st, replacing interim director Brett Reynolds. “I’m deeply honored by this opportunity to serve Ottawa’s diverse student population,” Kay told me during our conversation yesterday at OCDSB headquarters. Her voice carried the quiet confidence of someone well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The appointment marks a significant transition for Ottawa’s largest school board, which serves approximately 75,000 students across 143 schools. Board Chair Lynn Scott emphasized Kay’s “exceptional track record in student achievement and equity-focused leadership” during the announcement press conference.
Kay’s journey to this position reflects a commitment to education that spans decades. Beginning as a classroom teacher in eastern Ontario, she progressively moved through roles as vice-principal, principal, and most recently as a superintendent overseeing 27 schools in the board’s western region.
“What’s always guided my approach is ensuring every student feels they belong and can succeed,” Kay explained, gesturing to the student artwork adorning the board office walls. “Ottawa’s strength is its diversity, and our schools must reflect that in both programming and inclusive practices.”
The new director faces several immediate challenges upon assuming leadership. Enrollment fluctuations post-pandemic have created staffing pressures across multiple schools, while budget constraints continue to limit programming options. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, provincial funding formulas remain under review, creating uncertainty for planning cycles.
Parent reaction to Kay’s appointment has been largely positive across the community. Sarah Delaney, chair of the Glebe Collegiate parent council, expressed optimism about the selection. “We’re encouraged by Ms. Kay’s reputation for actually listening to community voices before making decisions,” she noted during our phone conversation this morning.
Kay’s leadership philosophy seems particularly focused on data-informed decision-making. During her superintendent tenure, schools under her supervision saw a 12% improvement in graduation rates for vulnerable student populations, according to board statistics released last fall.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has faced its share of challenges in recent years. From navigating remote learning during pandemic closures to addressing equity concerns in specialized programs, the director position demands both vision and practical management skills.
“What impressed our selection committee was Stacey’s balanced approach,” explained trustee Mark Fisher. “She understands both the operational realities and the importance of creating school cultures where students genuinely thrive.”
Educational priorities outlined in Kay’s initial communication with staff include strengthening early literacy initiatives, expanding skilled trades programming at secondary levels, and creating more responsive support systems for students with special education needs.
The leadership change comes as Ottawa schools continue recovering from pandemic-related learning disruptions. Recent assessments by the Education Quality and Accountability Office indicated uneven progress across the district, with particular concerns about mathematics achievement at middle school levels.
Community advocates are watching closely to see how Kay will address persistent achievement gaps. “The true measure of her leadership will be whether our most vulnerable students see meaningful improvements,” suggested Omar Hassan, director of the Ottawa Community Education Network, during our conversation at last week’s education forum.
Kay has already signaled her intention to launch a comprehensive strategic planning process this fall, involving extensive community consultation. “Educational leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” she reflected. “It’s about asking the right questions and truly hearing what our communities tell us they need.”
For Ottawa parents like myself who’ve watched the district navigate numerous challenges, Kay’s appointment represents potential stability during uncertain times. The morning frost still clung to the ground as I left the board office yesterday, but there was a sense of cautious optimism in the air that seems fitting for this transition.
As Kay prepares to assume her new role, she acknowledges both the responsibility and opportunity ahead. “Ottawa’s students deserve nothing less than our absolute best efforts,” she said, the afternoon sun briefly illuminating her determined expression. “That’s the commitment I bring to this position.”
The board has scheduled community introduction sessions with Kay throughout June before her official July start date.
