Catholic school board announces new superintendent of education

As Christine Durocher prepares to retire from her position of superintendent of education, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) announced today that Syndy Withers will assume the role on Aug. 1.

“Syndy has done a tremendous job as principal over the years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a true passion for building and maintaining trusted relationships within her community," said outgoing Director of Education, Danny Viotto, in a news release. "We are confident that she will continue this great work when she begins her new role as superintendent."

Full text of the HSCDSB news release follows:

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) is pleased to announce that Syndy Withers has been named as the new superintendent of education, effective Aug. 1, 2024.

“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey as the superintendent of education for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board,” said Syndy Withers. “I am eager to begin collaborating with the existing senior leadership team to fulfill our mission of nurturing each child's full potential while inspiring Catholic leadership.”

Withers began her career in education in 1998 as an elementary school teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Espanola, Ont. She served as a classroom teacher for JK to Grade 7 until 2005, when she became the Enhanced Learning Strategies teacher for the East school district for two years.
In 2007, she became the Learning Resource teacher at Sacred Heart and also served as the vice-principal. In her most recent role, Withers has been the principal of Sacred Heart for the past 16 years.

“Syndy has done a tremendous job as principal over the years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a true passion for building and maintaining trusted relationships within her community. We are confident that she will continue this great work when she begins her new role as superintendent,” said outgoing Director of Education, Danny Viotto.

As a lifelong learner, Withers holds three university degrees, including a Master of Education. She has also been a local executive member of the Catholic Principals Council of Ontario since 2016, representing the East District principals and vice-principals.

“We are honoured to have Syndy join our senior administrative team. She brings a new perspective and expertise to the table, and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Catholic education. I look forward to working alongside Syndy in continuing to build a successful learning environment for all of our students,” said incoming Director of Education, Fil Lettieri.

Withers takes over the superintendent position previously held by Christine Durocher, who will retire at the end of August.