It is with a mix of profound gratitude and bittersweet sentiment that the Superior North Catholic District School Board announces the retirement of our Director of Education, Maria Vasanelli, effective July 30, 2026. After years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to Catholic education, she will be embarking on a well-deserved new chapter.
Throughout her time with SNCDSB, our Director has been more than just an administrator; she has been a visionary leader, a compassionate mentor, and a steadfast champion for every student in our care. She has led system efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion, improving student outcomes, fiscal responsibility of the Board’s resources, and multi-year strategic planning and development.
Under her guidance, SNCDSB has reached significant milestones that have transformed our learning environments. We celebrate her many accomplishments, including:
- Championing Student Success: She spearheaded innovative literacy and numeracy initiatives that significantly improved student outcomes across the board, ensuring every child had the tools to reach their full potential.
- Fostering Spiritual Growth: Through her leadership, she deepened the integration of our Catholic virtues into the daily lives of our students and staff, strengthening the bond between our schools, the parish, and the home.
- Technology Advancement: She oversaw the modernization of our classrooms, ensuring that even our most remote schools remained at the forefront of digital learning and 21st-century skills.
- Commitment to Inclusion: Her time with the Board was marked by a passionate advocacy for Special Education and Indigenous Education, fostering an environment where every voice is heard, differences are valued, and every culture is celebrated.
- Staff Development and Wellness: Recognizing that our educators are our greatest asset, she prioritized professional growth and mental health, building a culture of support and collaborative excellence.
- Infrastructure: She oversaw the building of the new Catholic Education Center, an addition to St. Hilary Catholic School, new playground equipment at every school, refreshed classrooms and numerous other projects.
“Education is about progress. Leading a school board is about putting people first, especially the students we serve. My eight years with the SNCDSB have been the best professional time of my career. I thank trustees, parents, staff, students and my executive team for all their support and hard work. It has been a privilege.” – Maria Vasanelli
While her presence in our Board will be deeply missed, the foundation that she has built is solid and will continue to guide us for years to come. Her “students-first” philosophy remains the guiding principle for our district.
We invite the entire Superior North Catholic District School Board community to join us in thanking her for her tireless work, her grace, and her heart for Catholic education. We wish her nothing but joy, peace, and many new adventures in her retirement.
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Board of Trustees
Superior North Catholic District School Board
