Algoma District School Board Chair Reflects on 14 Years of Leadership

Jennifer Sarlo has concluded her tenure as chair of the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), leaving behind a legacy of leadership and community involvement. Sarlo, who first joined the board as trustee for Ward One in 2006, served as vice-chair in 2009 before assuming the chair position in 2011. Her decision not to seek re-election in December 2023 has paved the way for new leadership, with Elaine Johnston succeeding her.

Reflecting on her departure, Sarlo expressed confidence in the future of the board. “It felt like the timing was right for me,” she remarked in an interview with SooToday. “There are others that had a desire to take on some leadership roles around the board table like Elaine Johnston and Greg Bowman.” After two decades of service, Sarlo indicated she does not plan to run for re-election as trustee in the next municipal election set for October 26, 2026.

Sarlo’s motivation to enter public service came in 2006 as a mother of two, having been actively involved in her children’s school since their kindergarten years. “I was on the parent involvement committee and I saw the trustee role as something that was kind of a natural fit for me,” she shared. Her ascent to the chair position in 2011 came during a period when change was desired within the board.

Achievements During Tenure

As chair, Sarlo navigated the complexities of educational governance, balancing stakeholder concerns and adhering to the Ministry of Education guidelines. She described the role as both rewarding and challenging, particularly in fostering a collaborative environment among trustees and maintaining productive relationships with ADSB senior administration.

“Keeping that continuity, providing that leadership and guidance to new trustees and helping them grow in their role is always challenging because you have different personalities and different expectations,” Sarlo explained. She takes pride in the positive dynamics she cultivated during her tenure.

Sarlo highlighted several significant achievements during her leadership. Among them was the ongoing project at White Pines Collegiate, where plans to establish a new ADSB Technology Centre were announced in October 2021. This project includes a major renovation of the technical shops area, aimed at modernizing facilities for students.

“My husband is a contractor and he’s been in the trades since he was 17 years old, and just to see the shift in our society around valuing the trades once again has been a big thing for me,” she noted, adding her pride in the board’s robotics program and sports academies.

Navigating Challenges

Sarlo acknowledged that decisions such as school closures have been difficult yet necessary. She pointed to the transition of Grades 7 and 8 to Central Algoma Secondary School, which involved closing several district schools. “School closures are never popular and never easy,” she remarked. “Those are difficult decisions to make, but we have a new learning space at Central Algoma and creative programming for Grades 7 and 8 in all our high schools with options for parents and options for students.”

Despite stepping down, Sarlo is optimistic about the future of ADSB, particularly as the board experiences significant growth in enrolment.

Beyond her role on the board, Sarlo remains actively engaged in community service as the co-event director for the Coldest Night of the Year, a nationwide walk to raise funds for those experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to her community is also reflected in her involvement with Bethel Bible Chapel, where she cherishes her Christian faith.

As she transitions away from her leadership role at the ADSB, Sarlo emphasizes the privilege of serving others, stating, “I count it a privilege to lead and to serve at whatever level that I can be of use.”