HWDSB Trustees Appoint New Director of Education
Hamilton, Ontario – July 7, 2022: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Trustees are pleased to announce the appointment of Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini as the new Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, effective August 17, 2022.
“The Board of Trustees shares our excitement and enthusiasm as we welcome HWDSB’s new Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini” said Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board. “Sheryl is an authentic relationship builder with a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that centres student voices and promotes achievement, well-being and human rights.”
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini is currently an Executive Superintendent of Education at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). She brings over 30 years of experience working in education, serving in richly diverse communities, supporting all students with a particular focus on underserved and marginalized students.
Throughout Sheryl’s tenure at TDSB, she served in many central leadership roles including Coordinating Principal of Teaching & Learning as well as Early Years Learning & Child Care, and Principal Coach for Equity & School Improvement. In 2018, Sheryl became a Supervisory Officer. She advanced to the role of Executive Superintendent of Education in 2021 where she provides strategic leadership for Learning Centre 3, which represents 136 schools in the Scarborough area.
Sheryl has extensive leadership experience related to all HWDSB’s priorities: Positive School Culture & Well-Being, Student Learning & Achievement, Effective Communication, School Renewal and Partnerships.
“I am honoured to be appointed by the HWDSB Board of Trustees. Joining HWDSB as Director of Education is an exciting opportunity as I look forward to contributing my educational, professional and lived experience in service of public education in Hamilton,” said Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, Director-designate. “I anticipate devoting my time to meeting with, and learning from, students, families, staff, Trustees, and partners to advance HWDSB’s commitments to well-being, achievement, Indigenous rights, equity, inclusion, and human rights.
“As Director of Education for HWDSB, I will continue to lead with passion, care, respect, and integrity. I have the same sense of passion about education and the same commitment to students, families, and communities as I did when I started my career. I firmly believe in public education as an equalizer and a vehicle for social justice and change. I want all students’ experiences and trajectories to be better for having attended school in HWDSB.”
The Director of Education and Secretary of the Board role advises the Board of Trustees and is accountable, through statute, to the Minister of Education for the organization and operation of HWDSB. The role recommends actions to address current emerging issues and trends to ensure that policies and programs result in the attainment of the board mission and system goals.
“As HWDSB’s first female education director, the Board of Trustees are eager to start collaborating with Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini,” said Danko. “We look forward to her leadership as she engages all communities in HWDSB in a positive way and in service to our students, families and staff.”
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has a vision in which Curiosity, Creativity and Possibility empower students to learn and grow to their full potential in a diverse world. Learn more at www.hwdsb.on.ca.
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Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager of Communications and Community Engagement
[email protected] | 905-515-6227
Additional Information
Media Release – HWDSB Trustees Appoint New Director (PDF Version)
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Bio
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Photo
Updated on Thursday, July 07, 2022.