A Distinguished Career in Catholic Education: CDSBEO Director of Education Laurie Corrigan to Retire in 2025
The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) announces the retirement of its esteemed Director of Education, Laurie Corrigan, effective June 30, 2025, following three and a half years in the role and 25 years of dedicated service to Catholic education. Her retirement will mark the end of a distinguished career as a servant leader and visionary, characterized by a steadfast commitment to safety, wellbeing, and the promotion of Catholic identity, as well as advancements in student achievement and inclusive education.
Fostering Catholic Community
Director Corrigan’s tenure has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to fostering a robust Catholic community, culture, and dedication to Christian service. Since April 2022, she has meticulously focused on reporting and monitoring the strategic plan and has more recently spearheaded the renewal of the strategic plan for 2025-2030 through a synodal approach, engaging every school and liaising with Catholic School Councils and board committees. Her efforts have significantly bolstered relationships with the Archdioceses of Cornwall and Kingston, thereby reinforcing the role of faith in educational practices.
Advancing Student Achievement
Under her exemplary leadership, the CDSBEO has achieved remarkable progress in student performance. Since August 2023, the integration of the Student Achievement Plan and the Math Action Achievement Plan into the strategic plan has addressed professional development challenges through innovative methodologies.
Promoting a Healthy and Inclusive Workplace
Director Corrigan has facilitated the cultivation of a healthy and inclusive workplace environment, modernizing hiring processes, and implementing transparent job evaluations. She has led initiatives such as the Day of Discernment for prospective school leaders, firmly embedding discernment in decision-making processes. Her efforts have promoted dignity and established effective systems for staff selection and oversight.
Building Collaborative Relationships
Throughout her tenure, she has cultivated respectful and collaborative relationships with students, parents, staff, community partners, and stakeholders. Director Corrigan has worked closely with Medical Officers of Public Health to navigate pandemic restrictions and has collaborated with coterminous colleagues on safe schools and crisis response. Her partnerships have extended to School Mental Health Ontario and Ontario TechU, thereby enhancing mental health support and professional development.
Demonstrating Catholic Leadership
Director Corrigan’s leadership has consistently upheld public confidence, and she has remained present in schools, leading crisis response and transparent communication efforts to mitigate anxiety during challenging times. Her leadership style exemplifies a deep understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and its relationship to human rights, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to education.
Personal Reflection
Reflecting on her time with CDSBEO, Director Corrigan is grateful for the community’s dedication and collaborative spirit.
“Serving as Director of Education has been a privilege, and I appreciate the support and vision of the Board of Trustees as well as Senior Administration. I look forward to the continued legacy of faith and innovation we’ve built together.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chris Cummings, expressed his gratitude for Director Corrigan’s service.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend our deepest thanks to Director Corrigan for her unwavering dedication to Catholic education and her outstanding contributions to the CDSBEO. Her leadership has profoundly impacted our community, and we are immensely grateful for her years of service. Her unwavering professionalism and the legacy she leaves marks the end of a significant chapter in the CDSBEO’s history. Her focus on faith, innovation, and commitment to Catholic education will continue to inspire our school communities for years to come.”