Director of Education Michael Nasello announces retirement

Nasello to retire effective Feb. 1, 2021 after four years as PVNC Director of Education 

July 29, 2020

Director of Education Michael Nasello will be retiring from his position at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board effective Feb. 1, 2021.

In making his decision to retire, Nasello said he was committed to leading the Board into the new school year and overseeing the implementation of the PVNC return to school plan.

“My number one priority is ensuring our reopening plan is in place and implemented through the first half of the upcoming school year. I announce my retirement today to allow the Board of Trustees ample time to select my successor and I look forward to working with my successor to allow a clear and smooth transition of leadership in the new year.

“I make this announcement with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the students, parents and staff of PVNC. It has been a privilege to lead our school communities, our deeply committed staff, our dedicated school leaders and inspiring students. I am very grateful to the board of trustees and the members of the senior leadership team for their partnership and collaboration, and the support they have shown me as we have led this board over the last four years.”

Background:

• Nasello was hired as Director of Education in 2016.  He had previously served as a superintendent at the York Catholic District School Board.
• In his role, Nasello oversees more than 2,100 employees and the education of more than 15,000 students in 36 school communities.
• Since joining PVNC, Nasello has continued his passion for Holocaust education, establishing the Board’s Summer Holocaust Education Program and leading two student excursions to Europe.
• Each year Nasello has auctioned himself off through the annual ‘Put Your Director to Work Day’ United Way fundraiser, an event which earns one school board employee the day off while Nasello takes over their job for the day.

Put Your Director To Work Day 2018

Among his top accomplishments, Nasello points to the renewal of the Board’s Strategic Priorities for 2017-2020, a plan that in his words  “captured a broad range of voices and the rich history of PVNC, as well as the hopes and dreams we all have for our future in Catholic education.”

He also cites his work in building and strengthening relationships between the Board and the communities it serves, most notably with local First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities and leaders, school-home-parish connections and the Board’s ongoing relationships with the Diocese of Peterborough, community partners and parents.

As Director of Education, Nasello has strived to give greater voice to PVNC students.

“My goal has been to increase opportunities for students to authentically exercise their voices and to ensure that we, the adults in this Catholic educational community, are listening to, hearing, and responding to their voices and their calls to action,” Nasello said. 

PVNC Board Chairperson Michelle Griepsma praised Nasello for his “inspiring, passionate, faith-filled and collaborative” approach to leadership, which has provided the Board with a strong strategic roadmap to build on for years to come.

This past year, Nasello has successfully navigated the Board through one of the most turbulent years in its history, Griepsma added. 

“This school year began with one of the most contentious labour periods in decades, which saw rotating strikes and the closure of schools and, of course, it proceeded through a global pandemic, that forced  the transition from classroom to distance learning and continues to challenge us as we plan to reopen schools within a variety of learning models,” Griepsma said. “Throughout it all, Michael’s leadership has been steadfast and consistent, but as importantly – compassionate, collaborative and inclusive. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we thank Michael for his leadership, which will continue into the fall, and we wish him the best in his upcoming, well-earned retirement.”

The Board of Trustees will be beginning the search process to fill the Director’s role shortly, Griepsma said.