The English Montreal School Board Announces the Resignation of Director General Ann Marie Matheson

Assistant Director General – Academic, Evelyne Alfonsi Appointed as Interim Director General

English Montreal School Board Trustee Marlene Jennings, announced today that Director General  Ann Marie Matheson has resigned, effective August 13, 2020. 

"During her five years as Director General, Ann Marie Matheson displayed exceptional leadership abilities during a period of turbulence for the board,” said Ms. Jennings. “Not only did she lead her team to the successful completion of the construction of the new state of the art Mackay / Phillip E. Layton School in NDG for students with severe handicaps, and creation of the Des Grandes Prairies Vocational Centre in St-Leonard, but Ann Marie also played a critical role in providing the necessary supports to schools that resulted in the EMSB’s ranking as the school board with the highest student success rate in the province of Québec, an impressive feat. On behalf of the entire EMSB community, I wish to sincerely thank Ann Marie for her hard work, dedication and loyalty, and wish her all the best in the future.” 

"In spite of the obvious challenges and headwind that we faced, I am very proud of the work that my team and I have accomplished over the last five years,” stated Ms. Matheson. “I have been so fortunate to be able to count on the best and most resilient team of professionals at my side. I wish the very best to this great EMSB family on the road ahead, with particular well-wishes for our students and school teams, both of whom will always hold a dear place in my hear." 

ADG Evelyne Alfonsi Appointed as Interim Director General

The Trustee has also announced the nomination of  Evelyne Alfonsi as Interim Director General. Ms. Alfonsi  has 22 years of service at EMSB and presently serves as  Assistant Director General – Education. Ms . Alfonsi will also continue to fulfill her current role and be fully supported by her seasoned EMSB management team colleagues.

"Evelyne is going to be a most efficient, strong and inspiring unifier for the entire EMSB community, at a time of transformation and evolution for our board,” said Ms Jennings. “Her extraordinary experience as teacher, Principal, Regional Director and Assistant Director General,  has prepared her optimally to serve as our interim DG and she has my complete support."  

"I am both honored and humbled to accept the position of interim Director General and look forward to continue in the direction started by Ann Marie Matheson,” said Ms. Alfonsi. “ Together with a dedicated team, I embrace the challenges that lie ahead in the coming months."  

In the coming days, a mandate will be awarded to an outside professional search agency to identify candidates for the position of EMSB Director General. A selection committee with experienced governance and human resources professionals is being created in that context. It is the Trustee’s objective to lead a rigorous, yet short process.

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 44,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, our network consists of 77 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.