The York Catholic District School Board, which runs the publicly funded Catholic schools in Markham and across York Region, has an interim leader.
In a letter to families posted Jan. 9, board chair Maria Iafrate said Jennifer Sarna had agreed to serve as interim director of education, effective immediately, while director of education John De Faveri is on a leave of absence. The letter did not give a reason for the leave or say how long it would last.
A board veteran
Sarna has been with the board for more than 30 years. Most recently she was associate director, leading the academic side of the organization, including school leadership, school superintendents, curriculum and student services. She also oversaw the board’s multi-year strategic plan and its policy reviews.
Over her career at the board she has worked as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, superintendent of education and associate director.
The Board of Trustees is confident that Jennifer has the experience and leadership to guide the YCDSB at this time and ensure we continue to be a leader in publicly funded Catholic education.
— Maria Iafrate, chair, York Catholic District School Board
Annual report released
On Jan. 13, the board released its 2024-25 Director’s Annual Report, a look back at the previous school year.
The board said the report shows how it is advancing its multi-year financial recovery plan and how its long-term accommodation plan will guide growth, including a new elementary school in Queensville and planning for a school in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. It also highlights the official blessings of two new Stouffville schools, Blessed Chiara Badano Catholic Elementary School and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic High School.
The director of education is the board’s senior staff member, reporting to trustees and responsible for the day-to-day running of its schools. The letter to families did not announce any changes to programs or school operations.
