​Bluewater District School Board education director announces retirement

After serving the local public education system for almost 40 years, Bluewater District School Board education director Lori Wilder (above) is planning to retire.

The announcement was shared at the board meeting Tuesday (Dec. 17), after trustees accepted her retirement letter, with regret, earlier in the evening during an in-camera session. Staff was also informed in an E-mail from Wilder the same evening.

During her five-year term in the director role, Wilder has led system efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion, improving student outcomes in numeracy and literacy, fiscal responsibility of the board’s resources, and multi-year strategic plan development, among others.

Throughout her career, supporting students and developing positive relationships with others, have been at the heart of her work. Previously, she served for over a decade as a superintendent of education with oversight of various elementary and secondary school areas. Her broad portfolio in this role was also comprised of special education, student mental health, parent involvement, the Student Senate, adult education, skilled trades, student athletics, and human resources.

Over the years, Wilder has been a strong advocate for Indigenous education and strengthening relationships with local First Nation communities, and a staunch supporter of safe, accepting, and inclusive learning environments. This passion was instrumental in the implementation of Gender Sexuality Alliance groups in many schools to support 2SLGBTQIA-plus students.

Her other past roles included working as a student success leader, principal, vice-principal, and teacher, where she began her career at the former Georgian Bay Secondary School in Meaford.   

“We are tremendously thankful to Lori (Wilder) for her four decades of unwavering leadership, commitment, and service to the students, families, and school communities in our area,” said board chairperson Jane Thomson. “Her legacy and footprint are profound, particularly through the lasting positive impact she has made on student well-being, and her long career as a champion of marginalized and vulnerable students.

“It is a bittersweet farewell as we wish her many rewarding and happy years in her well-earned retirement. I know that countless others join me, both past and present, in saying ‘thank you’ to Lori (Wilder). Bluewater will look different without her, and her warm and thoughtful presence will be missed.”

“Thank you to everyone for an unforgettable career as a teacher, school administrator, and member of the senior team,” said Wilder. “I am incredibly grateful to have spent my years surrounded by individuals dedicated to the happiness, safety, well-being, and success of children. Our students are at the heart of everything we do!

“I appreciate the support I have received from staff, the wonderful senior team, colleagues, and the board of trustees during my tenure, and am proud of the many things we have accomplished together. These include our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring our finances are in order, and advancing our commitment to student achievement and well-being. I leave knowing that Bluewater’s future is positive and strong.”

Wilder’s final day with the school board will be Aug. 31, 2025. Information on a director of education replacement will be provided when details become available.