The Board of Directors of the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network is pleased to announce the 2023 recipient of the Eleanor Newman Award for Outstanding Service: Scott Nichol, School Effectiveness Principal and Valleycrest Principal, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.

EOSDN Board Chair, Brent Bovaird, reflected upon the significant commitment that Scott has given to the mission of the Network. “Scott has been an active participant and leader in the ongoing work of EOSDN, dedicating his time and effort to ensure continued growth and success of the Network.”

In support of Scott’s nomination, Heidi Fraser, Superintendent of Educational Services, RCCDSB, wrote, “In his role as MISA lead since 2016, Scott led a multi-year MISA project specifically aligning it with EOSDN’s Junior Math Students of Mystery initiative. In this role, Scott led collaborative inquiries with RCCDSB principals and teachers, as well as collaborated with various Eastern Ontario educational system leaders to develop region wide studies using data to assist with student achievement and wellness.”

Clint Young, Superintendent of Education, RCCDSB, states “Scott’s participation and championship of the opportunities by EOSDN that impact student learning, such as The Thinking Symposium encouraged colleagues to take innovative risks. He has a distinct ability to assess learning and implement the next key step to move a learner or group of learners forward and, with that ability, Scott has been able to support the practical application of current strategies and research presented through The Learning Symposium, MISA and Closing the Gaps.”

Mark Searson, Director of Education, RCCDSB, reflected on Scott’s role as facilitator of the Leadership Academy since 2018, sharing that “in a very specific way the Leadership Academy has been of great service to RCCDSB and this program has delivered on its purpose to provide a forum for collaboration around issues of applied leadership, putting knowledge, skills, research and policy into practice. Without exception, the RCCDSB leaders who go through this program exit with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Furthermore, they tend to come out saying the following: ‘Scott was an incredible facilitator!’ The consistent feedback from this cohort is a clear indicator that Scott has purposefully reached out and delivered a program that facilitates professional learning and collegial sharing for the purpose of improving student learning.”

The Board of Directors of EOSDN is planning to present Scott with the Eleanor Newman Award for Outstanding Service at the Annual Awards dinner May 18, 2023.

The Board extends its sincere congratulations to Scott and invites all Network colleagues to do the same.

20 23 Eleanor Newman Award Recipient