Education has to adapt as world changes, says retiring Niagara Catholic District School Board director

By Kris Dubé - Welland Tribune Reporter

John Crocco’s love for teaching started when he was a ski and swimming instructor in northern Ontario.

This was ahead of his first job as an educator in 1983 leading an elementary classroom in New Liskeard, Ont., before he moved to Niagara and took a teaching position at Saint Paul Catholic High School in Niagara Falls.

He moved up the ranks and was named director of education in 2008.

He announced his retirement last September, that he would not be returning as head administrator for the board when the 2020-21 academic year arrives.

But he still has his work cut out for him over the summer before he officially cleans out his office at the board’s headquarters in Welland by Aug. 31.

Schools have been empty since mid-March and what they will look like in September remains an unanswered question, which will be a primary focus from now until his last day.

“We’re wrapping up the school year, getting ready for reopening and a smooth transition for the next director,” said Crocco.

He was vice-principal of Notre Dame College School in Welland, Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne and Saint Paul Catholic High School, and principal of Saint Michael and Lakeshore Catholic.

Before taking on his role as director of education, Crocco served as superintendent of programs, as well as a family of schools superintendent.

Last Friday would have been the last day of classes for students and Crocco would normally be paying visits to staff and students to wish them the best for the summer.

Through the “great kindness” of many principals, Crocco said he has been invited to come back in the fall to deliver messages to students — if school doors are open or graduation ceremonies are held.

“If not, we’ll find a way to celebrate virtually.”

He said one of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure at Niagara Catholic was the implementation of the board’s first multi-year strategic plan, Vision 2020.

This plan included the introduction of elementary chaplains to the board’s faith formation team, the installation of chapels at elementary schools, and the implementation of an elementary dress code and French immersion programming.

“I’ve had so many rich experiences. I’m very proud of what we’ve provided for students and families, and staff,” said Crocco, who recently turned 60 years old.

The first elementary student senate in Ontario, the Niagara Catholic Athletic Association and the formation of a partnership between Team Canada ’72 and Niagara Catholic were unique initiatives introduced during his directorship.

Another achievement he puts at the top of his list is learning about the people who surrounded him during his 37-year career.

“I’m most proud of the remarkable friendships I’ve made with students, staff and in the community,” he said, acknowledging people from other organizations in the region as well as local politicians and board trustees.

“Unconditional love, advice and teamwork” involving his parents, wife Anne Marie and two children have also been vital components of his success in education, he said.

Challenges are opportunities to engage and make changes, said Crocco, using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. “Did we ever think in March that we’d have to change centuries of how education is delivered?”

Crocco oversaw about five school amalgamations, processes that are the result of a need to adapt to challenges brought on by changing times and decreasing enrolment.

“We knew people were upset losing their school, and rightfully so.

“It’s how we work through the challenges and, at the end of the day, we always have to focus on what’s best for students.”

“Globalness” and inclusion through school trips, exchange programs and a growing diversity of students, as well as advancements in technology, are areas in which vast improvements have been made since his early career, he said.

“The world continues to change, and education has to adapt and change with it. I think the last few months have really proved that.”

The provincial government has laid out three options that are being considered for how schools will operate in September — a conventional, pre-pandemic style; a modified model with classes no bigger than 15 students on alternate days or weeks; or a strictly online format.

He said the government is expected to give its direction in August, which will be dependent on the public health situation at that time.

Crocco said he believes a model with classrooms being kept to 15 students on any given day is the choice that will likely be implemented.

In 2015, he received the Canadian National Award as Canadian Director or Superintendent of Education of the Year by the Canadian Association of School System Administrators.

Crocco said he will “wait and see” when it comes to his next steps.

Frank Fera, Chair of Niagara Catholic’s board of trustees, said an in-camera special meeting called for 3 p.m. Friday is expected to result in Crocco’s replacement being found.

The board won’t be ready to announce its new director until early next week – after a contract is delivered, agreed upon, and signed, he said.