The Durham District School Board has appointed Jim Markovski as its next Chief Executive Officer, with the longtime DDSB leader set to take on the role in the new year.
The decision follows a comprehensive search by the Board of Trustees, according to a Durham District School Board news release. Markovski will succeed Camille Williams-Taylor, who has held the job since 2022.
The DDSB is the public school board for Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa, as well as Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships, with more than 80,000 regular day students in 142 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres.
A career built inside the DDSB
Markovski has spent more than 25 years as an educator and leader within the DDSB. He currently serves as Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, Academic Services, and as Chief Education Officer.
Before that, he was a Superintendent of Education, where his portfolios included Early Years, the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. He has also worked as a Staff Development Officer supporting school administrative teams, and has been both a classroom teacher and a principal.
Board Chair Tracy Brown described Markovski as a grounded, confident leader who is clear and thoughtful in his direction, and collaborative in his approach.
"The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Jim Markovski as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a comprehensive search," trustees said in the release. "We are confident in Jim's experience and ability to lead the DDSB as we continue to grow alongside our vibrant communities, and to continue to focus on building better through collaborative leadership to ensure that students and staff can thrive."
The board also thanked Williams-Taylor for her work, crediting her people-centred, deeply trusted leadership with positioning the DDSB well for the future.
"I feel fortunate to be entrusted with this new mandate"
Markovski immigrated to Canada as a child and enrolled in a public education English as a Second Language program, an experience the board said shapes his commitment to connection, belonging and meaningful learning for every student. He is also a husband and father.
"I feel fortunate to be entrusted with this new mandate as the DDSB's next CEO and want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve the DDSB community in this role," Markovski said in the release. "I am proud of our collective work, and look forward to building on and continuing this collaboration in service of students, families, and staff."
He added that the board's commitment to meaningful learning experiences, community connections that foster long-term well-being, and inclusive learning spaces where students can thrive "remains unwavering, and I am excited for what's next."
As an educational leader, Markovski has said he is committed to prioritizing high expectations and advancing success for all students.
The DDSB employs more than 13,000 teaching and educational services staff, along with thousands more students who take continuing education and adult credit courses.
