Three familiar faces retiring from Huron-Superior board

NEWS RELEASE
HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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Three senior staff members with the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) will be retiring this summer after long and successful careers.

John Bruno, superintendent of education, will retire on June 30. Marian Brooks, manager of human resources, will retire on July 31 along with Sam Colizza, manager of plant services. They represent 96 years of combined service to Catholic education.

“This is a day of mixed emotions as we realize that we will be losing three dedicated employees who have made tremendous contributions to our Board while enriching the lives of our students and staff. We also recognize that time moves on and wish all three the very best in their next steps on their life journey,” said Director of Education, Rose Burton Spohn.

“I have known John and Sam since our days as students at the original St. Mary’s College,” said HSCDSB Chairperson, John Caputo.

“They both brought passion to their positions and always had the best interest of our students in mind. John is well known and respected across our board and will be missed. Like John, Sam is a dedicated family man and comes from a history of involvement with Catholic education. He was a true professional and ensured that the Board benefitted to the utmost in every project he oversaw.”

“Marian is one of the most organized professionals I have met. She has always been available to answer questions and keep the trustees informed with personnel issues. God bless to all three as they enter a new phase in their lives,” added Caputo.

Bruno began his career in 1982 accepting a Grade 6 teaching position at the former Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1998, he was named principal of St. Ann Catholic Elementary School in the newly formed Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board. Later he served as principal of St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, until taking on the role of superintendent of education in 2007.

“I have been blessed to work with children my entire career. There isn’t a more rewarding experience than seeing our students become our future leaders,” said Bruno.

“I will miss my colleagues but I want to thank the students, parents and staff for the privilege of serving them over the past thirty-six years,” added Bruno.

Brooks began her career at the Board in 1987 and has worked in the Human Resources Department since 1988. In 1999, she was named coordinator of personnel services. She has served as manager of human resources since 2004.

“After over 30 years with the Board, I am appreciative of the many opportunities I have been provided. Although I will miss my colleagues, I look forward to this new chapter in my life,” said Brooks.

Colizza joined the Board from Algoma Steel in September of 1989 as plant services coordinator. In 1992, he became manager of plant services.

“I have enjoyed working with Board staff members, notably care staff, maintenance staff and plant supervisory staff. I am proud of the accomplishments and performance of the Plant Department over the last 29 years, particularly in terms of the day-to-day maintenance of our facilities, as well as, renovations and new builds,” said Colizza.

Steve Brown, currently the HSCDSB plant maintenance coordinator, will commence his new duties on April 30 as manager of plant services. On the same date, Darla Pirillo will take on the duties of manager of human resources.

A replacement for Mr. Bruno as superintendent of education will be announced shortly.

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