Sherri-Lynne Pharand

Director of Education

Sherri-Lynne Pharand was appointed to the position of Director of Education at 猫咪AV on September 1, 2022. A Sir Winston Churchill C&VI alumna, Sherri-Lynne began her career at Lakehead Public Schools as a teacher in 1990.

Sherri-Lynne believes that a strong public education system provides equity of opportunity for all students to achieve their goals and follow their dreams. 鈥淚 am so proud to work for this Board that puts the achievement of our students first and recognizes the diverse talents and strengths of all staff and students. I appreciate working with this incredible team to support excellence, equity, and innovation.鈥�

Director Pharand is a graduate of the University of Ottawa in 1989 and Lakehead University Faculty of Education in 1990. She earned a Master of Education: Education Administration from Lakehead University in 1998. Director Pharand has been a superintendent with Lakehead Public Schools since 2007 and an administrator with Lakehead Public Schools since 1994. Sherri-Lynne is thrilled to return to Lakehead DSB following 2.5 years as Director of Education with Keewatin-Patricia DSB.

Nick Sacevich

Associate Superintendent: Math and IT Lead

Nick Sacevich was appointed to the position of Associate Superintendent: Math and IT Lead in August of 2024. Teaching at both elementary and secondary levels, he has been with Lakehead Public Schools since 2005. He was most recently an Education Officer with the Education Quality and Accountability Office since 2022. A graduate of Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education and Master of Science degree from Capitol College, he is committed to education and student development.

He brings a collaborative approach with a focus on creating supportive and inclusive learning environments.

鈥淚 am honoured to serve our community in this capacity. Our school communities are vibrant and nurturing environments where dedicated staff work tirelessly to provide exceptional educational experiences,鈥� Sacevich said.

鈥淚 look forward to collaborating with our Senior Administration to continue fostering the success of every student.鈥�

Michelle Probizanski

Superintendent of Education

Michelle Probizanski was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Education on July 1, 2019. Hammarskjold High School alumni Michelle Probizanski began her career at Lakehead Public Schools as a teacher in 1998. Over the years she gained significant experience in both the elementary and secondary panels.

鈥淚 have been very fortunate to have the unique opportunity to work as an administrator in both the secondary and elementary panel,鈥� says Superintendent Michelle Probizanski. 鈥淚 will use that knowledge and experience to focus my energies on the Board鈥檚 number one priority, student success.鈥�

Superintendent Probizanski is a graduate of Lakehead University in 1997 and earned a Master of Education: Curriculum Studies at the University of Toronto in 2004. She has been an administrator with Lakehead Public Schools for 15 years. Superintendent Probizanski was most recently the Principal of Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

Jane Lower

Superintendent of Education

Jane Lower was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Education on November 21, 2022. Jane is a graduate of the Faculty of Education from the University of Manitoba and holds a Master of Education in Education Leadership. She began her teaching career in Manitoba and returned to Thunder Bay in 2001 to teach at Sir Winston Churchill CVI. She became a school administrator, first at Sir Winston Churchill CVI and later at Westgate CVI, before becoming the student success lead at 猫咪AV in 2015. 鈥淭he 猫咪AV has many strengths and inspires innovation, creativity, and achievement. I look forward to working with students, families, and the community, and increasing opportunities for positive educational experiences and outcomes for all.鈥�

Heather Harris

Superintendent of Education

Heather Harris began her role as Superintendent of Education with the 猫咪AV on August 15, 2023 after many years of leadership within the Board. Heather is a graduate of Lakehead University, with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in French. She graduated from the Faculty of Education in 2004 and earned a Master of Education in 2020. Heather has taught in several schools within the Board and was previously vice principal at McKellar Park Central Public School and principal at Kakabeka Falls Public School. She also held the central role of capital planning officer.

Heather Harris looks forward to developing academic programs, initiatives, and supports so that students can achieve high levels of personal and academic excellence. 鈥淚 am excited to join this talented and dynamic senior team, prioritizing our common goals of student achievement and well-being in an equitable and inclusive environment. It continues to be my privilege to work with the dedicated staff and families at Lakehead Public Schools to make good things happen for students and ensure their continued success.鈥�

Kirsti Alaksa

Superintendent of Business

Kirsti Alaksa was appointed the Superintendent of Business in October 2020, following 14 years of serving as Supervisor and Manager of Lakehead Public Schools鈥� Financial Services. Kirsti has a Bachelor of Administration Degree in Accounting and a Certified Professional Accountant designation. Her extensive knowledge of finances, policies, acts, and bylaws, along with her experience in capital budgets, accounting and management are truly beneficial in guiding the senior team in making high-level decisions.

鈥淚t is a pleasure to be able to continue to work alongside the wonderful staff at Lakehead Public Schools. I admire the professionalism of the school board and am inspired to contribute to the remarkable work this school board accomplishes.鈥�

In addition, Kirsti has acquired, through her involvement in Leadership Thunder Bay, a profound understanding of the challenges of the northwestern Ontario region.

Relevant Links & Resources

Organizational Chart