Camille Logan leaves York Region School Board after 29 years of distinguished service
June 4, 2021
At the end of her undergraduate degree, the late Dr. Lloyd Logan reminded his daughter that the accomplishment was ‘just the beginning’.
Camille Logan agreed and went on to attain a Master’s and a PhD. in Philosophy three years ago.
More than just accumulating degrees and academic titles, she understood that placing students at the centre of learning, establishing inclusive learning environments and creating an anti-oppression and anti-racism framework into her leadership were going to be integral to her success as an educator.
Logan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and inclusive design in her 29 years with York Regional District School Board (YRDSB) that ended earlier this year.
She joined the new-look Peel Regional School Board last March as Associate Director of School Improvement & Equity.
Colleagues, former students, community and family members virtually celebrated her nearly three decades of exceptional years with YRDSB.
“I have always said wherever I have gone that I am a proud product of York Region District School Board,” said Logan who was raised in the region.
Her mother, Madge Logan who was at the forefront of significant change for racialized and marginalized students during her 38 years with the former North York Board of Education before retiring in 2002, and Dr. Avis Glaze, who is a thought-leader in education, were powerful influences.
“In my beginning days of teaching and striving to teach in ways where my students saw themselves affected and they challenged and asked questions as they saw the various ways in which oppression represents itself in the media and in books, I was always actively engaged in that work as a teacher,” Logan, who won the 2013 Harmony Leadership in Education Award, pointed out. “But I also remember when I was a teacher that there were many days where people discouraged us. I remember when we had Dr. Avis Glaze as Associate Director in York Region District School Board and she said that it’s imperative that we unleash student potential and that a student’s social identity should not and cannot be predictors of their success.
“So when you hear this type of acknowledgment from senior leadership, it signals permission to everyone at all levels and I knew that if I reached that level in education, I would be unapologetic about the work. Despite various barriers, I knew it would be important for me to be strategic in my efforts to challenge the status quo. This wasn’t always easy and I got my wrists slapped a few times, but I believe that all children in our care, particularly those historically and currently impacted, should have the fundamental right to have optimal conditions for learning and to cultivate their brilliance.”
Anne Frank Public School Principal Aneta Fishman said Logan taught her how to collaborate, listen and engage diverse community voices while centering student success and affirming their identities.
“You have also taught me how to challenge the barriers and how to shift thinking when working with others by always listening and thinking students first,” the Board’s former Principal of Human Rights & Equity Education pointed out.
As a result of Logan’s mentorship of Black educators and leaders, there has been an increase in the number of applicants and successful candidates coming from underrepresented cultural groups in recent YRDSB recruitment and hiring processes for teaching, Administrator and Superintendent positions.
Her mentorship and the manner in which she mobilized instructional leadership at a system level impressed YRDSB Equity Teacher Facilitator Sara Leung.
“You intentionally create spaces and opportunities for people like myself to engage the system in critical conversations and necessary learning about inclusive pedagogy and practices,” she said. “You navigate barriers strategically, you leverage your positionality and relationships to make sure that conversations about equity are embedded across the system and you invest in the development of leaders, supporting them with your time, guidance and care.”
As a change agent and instructional design expert, Logan collaborated with Curriculum and Instructional Services staff to co-design and facilitate professional learning opportunities to build awareness and capacity of leaders around Inclusive Design. In collaboration with YRDSB colleagues, she engaged in a research project with external consultants to capture the lived experiences of Black students, staff in schools, workplaces and communities.
She wrote YRDSB Board policies and guidelines and, with former Toronto District School Board administrator jeewan chanicka, conducted training sessions for Principals and Vice-Principals interested in utilizing inclusive design as a process to support school improvement practices.
Former YRDSB Superintendent of Education Rashmi Swarup said Logan leads with care, commitment and conviction and will be a shining light wherever she goes
They along with Susan Logue were the YRDSB Equity Team Leads in 2010-11.
“When I think about Camille, I remember that she always first seek to understand and then be understood,” said Swarup who is the TVO Vice-President of Digital Learning. “I have seen her give her undivided attention to students, staff, parents, caregivers, community members and more. She always puts others first. She listens, empathizes, asks questions, understands and act in the best interest of the students and families she serves. I have seen her lead by example, by being responsive, showing the path forward and making a social impact by creating the conditions to influence teachers.”
On behalf of the colleagues she worked with at YRDSB for nearly three decades, former school principal Sharon Moss thanked Logan for her outstanding service.
“You played a significant role in helping us to grow into better educators,” noted the York University Faculty of Education Practicum Facilitator. “Over the years, you have used your platforms of influence to touch the lives of those around you…When working with you, we always know that you are going to speak up when we need to hear from you and you also knew when to be silent.”
Logan co-founded the Alliance for Educators of Black Students (AEBS) and worked closely with Donna Cardoza and other community members to launch the Nubian Book Club (NBC) 13 years ago that uses literacy as a tool for enhancing leadership and social skills, community engagement, respectful peer relationships and overall student success.
“During Camille’s 30 years in York Region, she has been integral to the success of many students,” noted Cardoza who hosts the NBC at her residence and was the recipient of an Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 2011. “She leads with an equitable mindset and demonstrates unwavering support and commitment to students, parents, staff and community members. When I think of her, I think of heart, humility and humanity.”
Camille Logan (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Cecil Roach, also an NBC founding member, said Logan has been an incredible leader in her roles as teacher, school administrator, Principal of Inclusive School & Community Services and Superintendent of Education.
“Her work has always been grounded in a solid foundation of human rights and her advocacy for social justice, education for equity and inclusion is what makes her a strong voice for public education,” he said. “She has always championed students’ success and well-being.”
Former librarian, YRDSB trustee and retired Justice of the Peace Tessa Benn-Ireland met Logan when she was a teacher at Aldergrove Public School.
“You brought your kids to the community library and I quickly observed how you carefully took each child and selected the appropriate book for them,” she said. “You are a smart, brilliant and humble Black woman. You have toiled endlessly and worked hard to achieve this feat. If anyone deserves this appointment, it is you.”
Dr. Kevin Stewart, a former YRDSB Administrator of Blind, Low Vision & Deafblind Services, witnessed first-hand how Logan’s collaborative nature, scholarship and analytical thinking style have impacted those she has worked with.
“Camille exemplifies what a leader in today’s educational system requires and desperately needs in order to bring about educational reform, and that is a strong collaborative equity leader,” said the Mount Saint Vincent University part-time faculty member. “Working with her significantly challenged and changed me as an educational leader, especially as it pertains to delivering special education services and working in solidarity with people with disabilities. She has influenced my leadership skills by modeling and teaching the importance of allyship through her belief that only through compassion, caring and a shared commitment can we eliminate the systemic barriers so many people in our schools and communities experience.”
With students being at the centre of everything Logan did, it’s not surprising that many of them hold her in high esteem.
“I can’t think of anyone that’s more deserving of being celebrated for the years of service you have put into the York Region District School Board,” said New York-based fashion model & disc jockey Malik Lindo-Ireland who attended Parkview Middle School when Logan was a Principal. “Thank you so much for inspiring me and so any others.”
Logan’s husband, Gregory Banfield, and their sons Myles and Quincy Banfield, attended the virtual ceremony.
“I remember when you applied to become a teacher with the school board and I asked you why you were choosing York Region,” Gregory Banfield recounted. “You said you wanted to blaze your own trail. Well, I think everyone will agree with me when I say you didn’t just blaze that trail. You blew it up.”
Logan was seconded to York University’s Faculty of Education Consecutive program where she taught the primary junior program and to the Ministry of Education Student Achievement Division.
She was also an integral member of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers Association (OPSOA) Supervisory Officer’s Qualification Program (SOQP) Module Development team SOQP Mentor team that prepares candidates for province-wide context and administrative leadership roles in school systems.
Last April, the outstanding educator was the recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award at the OPSOA virtual conference.
