The Lakehead District School Board is a Canadian nonprofit organization responsible for the administration of secular English-language public education in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and surrounding areas including the townships of Gorham and Ware. It operates under Business Registration Number 107590721RR0001.

Overview

The Lakehead District School Board (LDSB), formerly known as English-language Public District School Board No. 6A before 1999, is the largest public school board in Northwestern Ontario. It governs and supports education for approximately 10,000 students across a diverse range of schools, including 22 elementary schools, 3 secondary schools, and an adult education centre. The board employs around 2,000 staff dedicated to fostering educational excellence and student development[2][3][5].

Educational Mission and Values

The board’s mission emphasizes educating, encouraging, and supporting students to develop a passion for learning, set high personal standards, and become active community members. It places special importance on reconciliation and respect, acknowledging the traditional territory of the Ojibwe people of Fort William First Nation and all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples residing in the region. This commitment to honor Indigenous cultures and histories is a key pillar in its educational framework[1][5].

Schools

Elementary Schools

LDSB administers 22 elementary schools, including several that offer French Immersion programs, such as Claude E. Garton Public School and École Elsie MacGill Public School. The elementary schools are spread throughout Thunder Bay and adjacent communities, providing accessible education at the primary level.

Secondary Schools

The board oversees three secondary schools that provide a range of academic programs including the International Baccalaureate (IB) at Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute and French Immersion at Hammarskjold High School. Westgate Collegiate & Vocational Institute serves grades 9 through 12.

Adult Education

Lakehead Adult Education Centre offers continuing education opportunities for adult learners aiming to complete their Ontario Secondary Diploma or improve their skills for employment and further education[2].

Programs and Initiatives

Lakehead District School Board emphasizes modern technology integration and innovative education with relatively small class sizes to create a supportive learning environment. The board offers programs tailored to diverse student needs, including English language development and pathways for post-secondary studies. It also hosts international student programs that immerse students in a multicultural and English-speaking environment, promoting cultural exchange and personal growth[3].

Location and Community

The board's jurisdiction includes the City of Thunder Bay and surrounding rural communities. Thunder Bay is notable for its location on the shores of Lake Superior, combining natural beauty with vibrant urban life. The community is characterized as safe, welcoming, and friendly, with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. Adult and youth education programs benefit from partnerships with local higher education institutions such as Lakehead University and Confederation College[1][3].

Governance and Leadership

The Lakehead District School Board is directed by an appointed leadership team and board of trustees responsible for policy and strategic planning. The Director of Education, as of 2025, is Sherri-Lynne Pharand, who oversees the implementation of the board’s educational mission and operations[4][5].

This summary reflects the Lakehead District School Board as a key educational nonprofit institution committed to providing quality public education in Northwestern Ontario, with a strong focus on community engagement, Indigenous reconciliation, and academic excellence.