After 18 years, Niagara school board bids farewell to director ‘Mr. H’

After 18 years as Ontario’s longest-serving Director of Education, the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) announced today (April 26) that Warren Hoshizaki is retiring on December 31.

Affectionately known as ‘Mr. H’ to over 36,000 students every year, as well as countless teachers, staff and administrators, prior to becoming director, Hoshizaki has served as an elementary school teacher, a secondary school teacher, a coach for hockey, football and girls’ basketball, a principal, and a superintendent.

“I will miss many things about serving as Director of Education, but above all else, I will miss the opportunity to visit with students, to watch their development, and witness their success. For me, it always has been and must always be about the students,” said Hoshizaki.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work for so many students and to work alongside the best educators, trustees, superintendents, administrators and support staff that you will find anywhere in this province.”

With more than 40 years in the field of education, Hoshizaki committed almost half of his accomplished career to Niagara Region, leading the area’s school board and Niagara Region’s single-largest employer.

During this time, he says he maintained his focus and shaped his decision-making based on one crucial core value by always asking himself, “What will be best for the students?

“Warren Hoshizaki is by far the most dedicated and humble individual I’ve ever met,” said Sue Barnett, Chair of the DSBN Board.

“As a leader, he is tireless in his pursuit of making students’ lives better. From providing educational innovations and enhancements, to building state-of-the art schools and outdoor learning environments, to making a positive impact through unique programs, he has had an incredible influence on education in Niagara, which will benefit our communities for decades to come.”

Hoshizaki’s dedication to his duties was renowned across Ontario, leading to praise from others in the province.

Laura Elliott, Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education, called him an exemplary leader, noting, “Warren is known across Ontario for his mentorship of senior leaders, and his willingness to share his knowledge, insights, and perspectives to all directors of education to help us become better leaders. His legacy will live on in the thousands of students’ lives who have been impacted by his unwavering commitment to students and education.”

The DSBN said, “To ensure ample time is allocated to find a new Director of Education, the recruitment process is currently in its planning stages.”

Even Directors of Education have their fan-boy moment as Warren Hoshizaki gets an autograph from Toronto Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark.