Durham Catholic District School Board Appoints Tracy Barill as Director of Education

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Barill as the new Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, effective January 1, 2020. Ms. Barill will replace retiring Director of Education, Anne O’Brien.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I congratulate Tracy on her new appointment,” said Janice Oldman, Chair of the Board. “Her passion for Catholic education and service, along with her collaborative spirit for community, align with the board’s renewed vision for excellence, equity and engagement. Her vast experience across many portfolios of the board brings a diverse perspective to our system and we look forward to working together as partners in Catholic education,” she said.

An educator and leader for over 26 years, Ms. Barill has led an impactful career in Catholic education and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. Since 2008, she has held the role of Superintendent of Education, leading several portfolio assignments, including Human Resources, Teaching and Learning Services, Program Services, Communications, Student Achievement, Faith Formation and Family of Schools.  Prior to that, she was Assistant Supervisory Officer appointed to lead the implementation of the School Effectiveness Framework. She was a Vice-Principal at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School and Holy Redeemer Catholic School; and Principal at St. Anthony Daniel Catholic School.

Ms. Barill holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from St. Paul University. She has also earned many certificates of leadership, such as the Supervisory Officers’ Executive Management Program from the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto; and Executive Program Certificate from the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University.

Provincially, Ms. Barill has been involved with a number of professional associations. She is a Board Member for the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association (OCSOA); has served on the Early Childhood Educator Provincial Working Group; has been an Executive Member of the Council of Ontario Senior Human Resources Officials; and sat on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Curriculum Corporation. She is a member of several DCDSB committees and is actively involved with her parish, serving as a lector at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Oshawa.

“I believe that children learn most effectively when they feel loved, safe, included and inspired,” said Ms. Barill. “As Director of Education, it will be my living vocation to ensure that together with our parents and parishes, we provide each student with a faith-based learning environment where they can fully develop their God-given talents in service of our world.”