NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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Frances Bagley, Director of Education for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB), has announced her retirement, effective Aug. 31, 2025. The announcement was made and accepted by the Board of Trustees at the Regular Board Meeting last evening.
Frances Bagley began her five-year term with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) in November 2020, and that term will conclude in August 2025. The recruitment for a new Director of Education will commence in the New Year, and Frances Bagley will work closely with trustees and staff over the next eight months to plan for a smooth transition.
“It has been such an honour and privilege to work alongside the staff and students at SMCDSB. I started with this Board during the height of the pandemic, and we successfully navigated incredible challenges with one another,” said Frances Bagley, Director of Education. “It has been a blessing to have witnessed such growth and change over the years, and I am particularly proud of the work done to achieve our board’s vision and mission. I do not doubt that with faith as our guide and with students placed firmly at the centre of our work, SMCDSB is on a positive path for the future.”
After a long and distinguished career spanning four decades, Frances Bagley plans to enjoy spending more time with her family and travelling. During her time in education, she held numerous positions, including educational assistant, teacher, principal, superintendent, associate director of education at York Catholic District School Board and finally, director of education at SMCDSB.
“Frances will not be easy to replace. She joined our Board with incredible knowledge and experience in the education system and has garnered respect from across the province because of her tremendous professionalism and insights”, said Maria Hardie, Board Chair. “Working with Frances over the past several years has been such a pleasure. She has guided our work with integrity, kindness, and a strong commitment to faith, and her strategic leadership will be greatly missed.”
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