Cheryl Van Ooteghem, an educator with 18 years of experience in the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), has been appointed as superintendent of education, effective Feb. 1.
She will replace superintendent Bonnie Talbot, who is retiring on Feb. 3.
As the superintendent for elementary schools in south Guelph and Centre Wellington, Van Ooteghem will oversee the operation of 18 schools with 26 principals and vice-principals, and assume numerous portfolio responsibilities including safe and inclusive schools, first nations, métis and inuit education, and equity.
Van Ooteghem began her teaching career in Saskatchewan in 1986, and spent several years teaching in British Columbia.
She started in the Upper Grand board in 1998. She has experience in the UGDSB as a vice-principal, principal, school effectiveness lead and principal of program.
Currently assistant to the superintendent of program, Van Ooteghem is responsible for leading the board’s special education team to meet the goals of the special education plan, including improving home-school communications for parents of students with special needs and implementing a process to provide support to students with specialized equipment.
Van Ooteghem has a bachelor of education from the University of Saskatchewan and a master of education from the University of Victoria.
