The Greater Essex County District School Board has chosen a new director of education.

Erin Kelly, a superintendent with the Upper Grand District School Board that serves Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin counties, will take over the position.

“My priority will be to continue guiding the board along its path; to work closely with what I know to be an outstanding senior team and staff to serve our students, their families and our communities,” says Kelly.

She will replace Warren Kennedy, who is retiring on August 30. Kennedy has been the director since March of 2009.

Kelly grew up in the Muskoka region and received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from Queen’s University. She earned a Master of Education Degree from Brock University.

Her education career began teaching high school English. She became a high school administrator and for the past nine years has been a superintendent of education.

“The Upper Grand Board is disappointed to be losing Erin, but it is our pleasure to have her experience, her enthusiasm and her legacy of excellence in Windsor and Essex County,” says GECDSB chair Helga Bailey.

Kelly will start on Aug. 12 and she will take over as director of education on August 31.