News Release
May 15, 2007
For Immediate Release
Michael Bator, long-serving Catholic school board director to retire
34 years in education; Dufferin-Peel director of education since 1994
MISSISSAUGA - Michael Bator, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board director of education, has announced his intention to retire, effective October 31, after 34 years in education, the last 13 as the board’s chief executive officer. Bator’s tenure as CEO has spanned one of the most tumultuous periods in publicly-funded education in Ontario and one of rapid growth for the board.
“It is with deep regret that trustees learned of Michael Bator’s decision to retire from the board,” said chair, Bruno Iannicca. “Michael’s leadership, knowledge, commitment to Catholic education and friendship will be greatly missed by trustees and staff alike. On behalf of the board, I wish Michael, and his family, God’s richest blessing and our sincerest hopes for continued success in his future endeavours.”
A staunch proponent of Catholic education, Bator’s late father, Stan, was a Dufferin-Peel trustee during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. One of eight boys, Bator was raised in Mississauga and attended Dufferin-Peel elementary schools. He has degrees from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He also attended the University of Caen in Normandy, France.
At Dufferin-Peel, Bator has been a classroom teacher, principal and vice-principal. He has also held the posts of acting superintendent of schools, superintendent of schools, superintendent of curriculum and superintendent of planning. In addition, he has served as adjunct professor at York University, faculty council advisor, also at York, and on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association.
In addition to his school board duties, Bator has maintained an extensive portfolio of community service, including the following leadership positions:
· Vice-chair, International Partnership Network
· Co-chair, National Council on Education, Conference Board of Canada
· Senior Regional Director, Canadian Forces Liaison Council
· Board of Directors, The Learning Partnership, Toronto
· Executive Committee, World Youth Day 2002, Archdiocese of Toronto
· Economic Development Advisory Committee, City of Mississauga
· Principal’s Advisory Committee, University of Toronto, Mississauga
· Chair, Healthy City Stewardship Centre, City of Mississauga
· United Way Peel, Campaign Cabinet
· Collegium, University of St. Michael’s College
Bator has worked with the ambassadors and consul generals of Canadian, Philippine and Chinese governments to establish student exchange programs in those countries. Of particular interest, is the promotion of the arts and the integrated use of technology in the classroom, as well as volunteerism within the community.
A progressive promoter of diversity education initiatives at Dufferin-Peel, Bator believes that our local community must tap into the richness of the diversity with which we have been blessed, and ensure that our students become global citizens, sensitive to the needs of the international community with a commitment to servant leadership.
A strong believer in the translation of personal belief statements into practice, Bator has often said, “Leadership is not exclusive; it is rather invitational and inclusive, available and accessible at every level in the organization.” Bator added, “I believe that leaders have an obligation to demonstrate exemplary practice throughout the organization and the communities in which they live. I have served under, and alongside, some outstanding people and it is my hope that I have been able to lead by example as a Catholic educator over the past 30 plus years.”
Added Bator, “Words cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel to so many who have served so faithfully by meeting the challenges of each day with grace, quiet fortitude and a profound understanding of the value and dignity of each and every child for whom we, as a community, provide “safe passage” each and every day. To this, I say a simple, but heartfelt, “thanks” to our outstanding faculty and staff for getting the job done.”
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario with approximately 89,000 students in 141 schools located in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With approximately 10,000 faculty and staff, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.
Letter from Director of Education, Michael Bator re: Retirement Announcement
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For information contact: Bruce Campbell, Manager, Community Relations
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24466 or (905) 609-1480