The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has announced the hiring of a new director of education from the ranks of the province's senior civil service.
Clayton La Touche's appointment will take effect Feb. 10, the TDSB said in a release.
La Touche is currently assistant deputy minister in the student support and field services division at the provincial Ministry of Education.
“Clayton brings a wealth of experience and passion for public education to the Toronto District School Board. We look forward to his arrival next month so that we can continue building on the progress we’ve made in making the TDSB a great place to learn and work," TDSB Chair Neethan Shan said.
Prior to his secondment to the ministry in September 2021, La Touche served for three years as the associate director of education, schools and operations, with the York Region District School Board.
Beginning his career as a teacher with the TDSB in 1994, La Touche moved to the York Region board in 2000 as an elementary school vice-principal.
“I am excited to be returning to the TDSB family and looking forward to working with trustees, staff, students and families, communities and partners to achieve the best outcomes for students," La Touche said.
In York Region, La Touche served in progressively more senior roles including principal, centrally-assigned principal, and superintendent of education prior to taking on the associate director role.
The Toronto board said that throughout his career, La Touche has built a reputation as an "inclusive, collaborative leader with a deep commitment to equitable achievement and well-being outcomes for all students".
His appointment comes after a four-month recruitment process overseen by a search committee that included stakeholder consultations on desired experience and background, the TDSB said.
Stacey Zucker, who has served as Interim director of education since Nov. 1, will remain in the role until La Touche’s appointment takes effect. She will then return to her role as the TDSB’s associate director, modernization and strategic resource alignment.
