​Kim Harbinson is new superintendent of education with Bluewater District School Board

Kim Harbinson (above) is the new superintendent of education with the Bluewater District School Board, effective Sept. 1.

The appointment addresses a vacancy created by the retirement of education superintendent Wendy Louwerse.

Harbinson is a long-standing board staff member who grew up in the Owen Sound area and attended local schools. Her teaching career started in 1990 with her skills and experience eventually paving the way for positions in school administration.

She served as a vice-principal at Saugeen District Secondary (now Senior) School, and a principal at Bruce Peninsula District and John Diefenbaker Senior schools. In 2022, she moved to the system level as pathways administrator before assuming her most recent role of learning services administrator – student success.

Through these positions, she has supported secondary students in their journey to graduation and career-planning through the skilled trades, co-operative education, and other programming.

“It is an honour to join the senior leadership team at the Bluewater District School Board as superintendent of education,” said Harbinson. “I am deeply committed to public education and passionate about fostering meaningful community partnerships that support student engagement and achievement.

“Empowering staff, inspiring innovation, and promoting a shared vision that places student success at the centre, are areas to which I am extremely dedicated. I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, students, families, and trustees to continue building a strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environment across the district.”

“I congratulate Kim (Harbinson) and extend her a warm welcome as she prepares to join the senior leadership team,” said education director Lori Wilder. “Her broad experience at the school and system levels, coupled with the expertise and passion she brings to her work in supporting students will serve our board well.

“I also acknowledge Wendy Louwerse who has been an invaluable member of our team as a superintendent, system and school administrator, and teacher. We appreciate her many years of service to the students and families of Bluewater and wish her many rewarding and happy years of retirement.”

In her new role, Harbinson will oversee an area of schools and manage a portfolio of system duties.