Grand Erie Brings New Talent On Board

Grand Erie District School Board is proud to welcome Robin Staats as Grand Erie’s first System Principal Leader of Indigenous Education and Equity and Jennifer Tozer as the new Manager of Human Resources (HR). Both Robin and Jennifer begin their new roles on April 19th.

Throughout her 30-year career in Indigenous education, Robin has shown a longstanding passion for teaching, mentoring, and empowering her students. Most recently, Robin served as the principal of Emily C General Elementary School in Six Nations of the Grand River and she has worked closely with many Indigenous communities across Ontario. Robin holds a Masters of Education from Brock University, as well as a series of additional certificates focused on education and teaching. Robin is Mohawk from the wolf clan of Six Nations Territory, and her Ongweho:weh name is Tsisko:ko.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robin to Grand Erie District School Board where her experience in Indigenous communities and public education will be invaluable,” said Claudine VanEvery-Albert, appointed Trustee by Six Nations Elected Council to Grand Erie District School Board’s Board of Trustees. “We know Robin will do a superb job working to improve the success of Grand Erie’s Indigenous students, as well as developing and implementing initiatives to educate all students on crucial Indigenous subject matters.”

In her new role as System Principal Leader of Indigenous Education and Equity, Robin will be responsible for working with First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit communities, organizations, students, and families to support student achievement, well-being and advance truth and reconciliation within the board. She will also help create and implement curriculum and programs to build knowledge and awareness of all students about Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, and contributions.

Jennifer Tozer also joins the board as its new HR manager. Before joining Grand Erie, Jennifer was the Manager of Human Resources with the Thames Valley District School Board where she was responsible for collective bargaining, labour relations, workplace investigations, pay equity and job evaluation maintenance. She has worked in public education with Thames Valley for approximately 17 years, holding a variety of roles within Human Resources. 

“Robin and Jennifer are excellent additions to our strong team at the board and build on our work to continue hiring top talent in Grand Erie. With Robin’s extensive experience in Indigenous education and Jennifer’s deep knowledge of labour relations and human resources, our board will be well served,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “I look forward to working with Robin and Jennifer on our shared goal of ensuring Success for Every Student in Grand Erie.” 

Grand Erie District School Board would like to recognize Sharon Bell, who is retiring from the role of Manager of Human Resources. Sharon has provided 36 years of dedicated service to the board. She has been an integral part of the school community and made valuable contributions during her time in that role. The Board thanks Sharon for her dedication and wishes her all the best in retirement.

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 18,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 7,700 students in 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk as well as secondary students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,500, Grand Erie remains committed to its goal of Success for Every Student.