Grand Erie’s Director of Education Recognized for Always Going ‘Above and Beyond’
Grand Erie District School Board’s Director of Education, Brenda Blancher, is the 2018-19 recipient of the Above and Beyond award, a prestigious recognition chosen by the Grand Erie Ontario Principal Council’s executive.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have a leader who consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, respect, and kindness,” said Diannah Dean, Principal at Woodman-Cainsville School, and a member of the Grand Erie Ontario Principal Council executive. “In her role as Director, Brenda is someone who remembers what it’s like to be an administrator and works with us to make the job more manageable – that makes all the difference!”
The Above and Beyond award is given to an individual on an annual basis. The award’s criteria considers the broader school board community. It highlights individuals who support administrators in a variety of ways; those who act in an open and transparent manner; and those who value the contributions administrators make.
“In her role as Director over the past four years, Brenda has worked to create a truly collaborative environment,” said Dean. “Whatever the concern, whatever the discussion, she has a unique ability to be fully present during these conversations.”
Blancher’s contributions include the creation of the Principal/Vice-Principal Wellness Committee, on which she takes an active role.
Grand Erie’s Multi-Year Plan includes commitments to both Well-Being, which prioritizes fostering healthy and enabling environments, as well as Achievement, which sets high expectations for staff, monitoring, measuring, and reflecting on outcomes.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled by this recognition,” said Blancher. “Each and every day, our Principals are focused on supporting our students and staff to ensure success. They manage everything from scheduling and staffing to parent concerns and overall student achievement and well-being. Doing what I can to assist and support our Principals and Vice-Principals is the least I can do for all that they contribute to the Board.”
Dean presented the Above and Beyond award to Blancher on Tuesday night (May 28) during the Annual General Meeting of the Grand Erie Ontario Principal Council, which was held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.