Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
Dear Families and Community Members,
I am writing to you as the newly appointed Director of Education for the Near North District School Board. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve your children and to work alongside families and communities to support student success, safety, and well-being.
Over the past week, I have had the chance to visit several of our schools and meet with principals, staff, and members of our Board Office team. I was warmly welcomed everywhere I went and was impressed by the care, dedication, and commitment shown to students each day. I look forward to being in all of our schools by the beginning of February and continuing to build strong, positive relationships across the district.
Our shared goal is simple and important: making sure every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn and succeed. We know this work cannot be done by schools alone. When families, schools, and community partners work together, students benefit the most.
As we move forward, our decisions will be guided by what is best for students, using data, evidence, and a strong focus on both achievement and well-being. While we cannot change the past, we cannot stay there either. We must look ahead with care and intention.
I recognize that some families and community members may feel that trust has been broken. We own that. Rebuilding trust will take time, consistent actions, and open communication. We ask for the opportunity to repair that trust and to move forward together. This work cannot be done without families and communities as partners, and while it will take time, we are fully committed to doing this work thoughtfully and transparently.
There will be some changes as we look ahead. These changes will always be guided by our responsibility to provide safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environments for students. Alongside this, we are committed to improving communication and transparency so families and communities feel informed, heard, and connected to the work taking place across the system.
Hearing from families is essential. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with any and all School Council Chairs who would like to connect. If you are interested in meeting, please speak with your school principal, who can then reach out to my office to help plan a time. I want to better understand your school communities’ strengths, as well as your worries, frustrations, and hopes for the future. Your voices matter, and they will help guide our work.
I am confident that by working together—listening to one another and keeping students at the centre of every decision—we can build a strong and positive future for all learners in Near North.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Jay MacJanet
Director of Education
Near North District School Board
