John Kostoff named new director at Catholic board

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has announced the appointment of John Kostoff as its new director of education and secretary to the board, effective Sept. 1.

Kostoff succeeds retiring Michael Bator as director at Dufferin- Peel, the second largest Catholic school board in Ontario. A 32-year board employee, Kostoff has been associate director, corporate services for the past two years.

"John brings a wealth of outstanding leadership experience to the director's post," said chair Bruno Iannicca. "We look forward to working with him as head of our senior management team as we grapple with familiar issues including underfunding and challenges to Catholic education. John has been an integral part of our senior management team over the past two years and we believe that he is the right person to lead us through the coming years."

Kostoff, a graduate of the University of Toronto, has long-time roots in the Dufferin-Peel community. He began his career as an elementary teacher at Dufferin-Peel in 1978. He has also held positions as secondary teacher, department head, co-ordinator, principal, superintendent of schools, superintendent of human resources and most recently, as associate director, corporate services. Kostoff has also taught at the university level and has a high profile within the Catholic education community in Ontario.

"Our mission to provide excellence in Catholic education is a critical one and I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to work with trustees and an outstanding team of faculty and staff to continue the legacy of excellence that has been Dufferin-Peel's hallmark," Kostoff said.