Colleen Russell-Rawlins is named PDSB’s first black female director

BY PAUL JUNOR

History was made on July 16^th, 2020 when Bruce Rodrigues, the Ministry appointed supervisor announced the appointment of Colleen Russell -Rawlins as the Peel District School Board’s permanent interim director (www.pdsb.ca).

She is the first black female director in the history of the Peel District School Board. She will take over on August 5^th, 2020.

In a PDSB’s news release, supervisor Bruce Rodrigues applauded her appointment. He stated, “We are confident that Ms Russell- Rawlins possesses all the necessary attributes to move the Peel board forward. She brings with her a strong commitment to student learning and success, an exceptional background in addressing issues of anti-black, African and Caribbean racism, anti-oppression and equity. We are delighted to have her and look forward to working with her.”

In response to her appointment, Ms. Russell-Rawlins highlights the importance of what her appointment means to the PDSB at this crucial and critical time. She stated, “I am honoured to serve as the interim Director of the Peel Board at this pivotal time in its efforts to achieve racial equity and dismantle anti-black racism. I look forward to learning from and with the Peel community in pursuit of these goals and improving all other aspects of education. Whether we work or send our children to schools in the Peel board, we all have an important role to play in student success. We all share in the leadership, the responsibility and accountability for creating the conditions where all of our children, regardless of their identity, can thrive.” She is grateful to be in this position.

Ms. Russell-Rawlins has an outstanding background in her twenty-nine-years with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). She has served in several capacities as a: teacher, principal, consultant and superintendent. She has been part of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSB) which has set directions, and identifies five system goals to drive it, as well as school improvement goals related to: achievement, well-being and equity. These action plans have been in place since 2018. In her present role, she serves as an Associate Director of Equity, Well-Being, and Early Years and School Improvement. She was responsible for the de-streaming initiatives, as well as early literacy intervention steps.

Ms. Russell-Rawlins played a major role in the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement that the TDSB announced on June 23^rd, 2020. She has also been part of the Executive Council of the TDSB. She was President of the Ontario Supervisory Officers’ Association in 2018. She is one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women honoured in 2020. Her advice for the next generation is, “Most of us live textured lives weaved with purpose, promise and challenge. The key to life is learning from adversity without letting challenges negatively influence how you define yourself.” She is passionate about people.

Ms. Russell-Rawlins has many challenges ahead of her in the PDSB. She is replacing the controversial Peter Joshua who was been at the helm since 2019 and was fired on June 23^rd, 2020. There is much acrimony between the Trustees that still has to be resolved. This was highlighted in the investigation report that was released by Arleen Huggins on May 15^th, 2020 in response to concerns about the PDSB’s non-compliance of six specific ministerial directions of the twenty-seven that the Minister of Education issued on March 13^th, 2020.

The arrival of a new director signals a new start for the PDSB as it seeks to ensure that the Board reflects tolerance, equity, inclusivity, fairness and accountability. There is much hope and expectation that the black community’s concerns, issues and voices will be heard. It will be a chance to ensure that there will be proper governance, mutual respect between Trustees and the rebuilding of trust and collaboration.