Bluewater District School Board Appoints New Director of Education
BWDSB welcomes AJ Keene to replace Director of Education Lori Wilder, who retires in August.
SUBMITTED
Bluewater District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director of Education. A warm welcome is extended to AJ Keene, who will begin a transition into the position on August 18, 2025, to coincide with the retirement of current director Lori Wilder.
Having grown up in a rural setting in Essex County, AJ comes to Bluewater with nearly three decades of experience in public education. He has been serving most recently as Superintendent of Education with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, where he leads the South Superintendency of schools and Safe and Caring Schools portfolio.
Previously, he spent many years at Lakehead District School Board in Thunder Bay in a variety of system and school roles, including Superintendent of Education, Board Math Lead, Early Years and Program Principal, and a school administrator. His experience extends to working for the Ministry of Education to assist in the development of several math guides and resources. Along with numeracy and literacy, he is passionate about equity, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and integrating culturally responsive education practices.
“It is a pleasure to welcome AJ to Bluewater as the new Director of Education,” says Bluewater District School Board Chair Jane Thomson. “The depth of knowledge and experience he brings in many areas of curriculum, programming, equity, and leadership will be invaluable in guiding our system level work with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The Board of Trustees is excited to work with him and draw upon his extensive skills and background. We also take this opportunity to once again thank Lori for her four decades of service in our board. Her strong positive presence and tireless dedication to students will surely be missed. We wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement as she moves on to new beginnings.”
“I am very excited to join Bluewater District School Board and contribute to the great work being done to support student achievement and well-being, equity, and community-based education,” says Keene. “I am particularly drawn to the diverse geographic and cultural landscape of Grey and Bruce, including its First Nation communities. I fully appreciate the opportunity to offer my leadership experience to the team and work in partnership to serve students, staff, and families.”
AJ holds a Master of Education with a focus in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning from the University of Toronto. He is also a graduate of Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Education, and the University of Windsor, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree.
Text and photo submitted by Bluewater District School Board.
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