YRDSB Appoints Bill Cober as New Director of Education

Aurora, Ont. - On Tuesday, June 6, York Region District School Board by the Board of Trustees appointed Bill Cober as the next Director of Education for, effective August 1, 2023. 

Cober brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education in York Region, and has extensive educational leadership experience, as well as experience in municipal government. Bill has strengths in relationship building, strategic decision making and building equitable and inclusive organizations. He has a collaborative and strategic approach to leadership and a passionate belief in the capacity and potential of all students. 

“We look forward to welcoming Bill Cober to the role of Director of YRDSB,” said Ron Lynn, Chair. “His background includes rich and diverse educational, instructional, organizational, operational, governance and relational leadership skills and experiences.

“As a graduate of the York Region District School Board, I am proud to call York Region home. I understand the uniqueness and diversity of York Region and that our schools are both a reflection of, and the heartbeat within our communities,” said incoming YRDSB Director Bill Cober. “The Board has exemplary leadership at all levels of the organization and the opportunity to serve YRDSB students, staff and families as its next Director of Education is one that I will truly cherish,” said Bill Cober. 

Over the coming months, YRDSB will embark on a comprehensive strategic plan review. This work will set the vision and direction for our Board for the years to come. Cober has extensive experience and skills that will facilitate a robust public engagement and consultation process. We look forward to working with Bill and the community to establish this process in the coming months. 

Scott Yake has served as Director of Education (Interim) since November 2022, and will remain in the role until July 31. 

“We are grateful for the dedicated and thoughtful leadership Scott has provided during this interim period. We have benefited from his expertise, commitment to relationship building and inclusivity and his focus on student achievement and well-being,” said Lynn.

York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 126,000 students in 180 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

News Release