THUNDER BAY – A familiar face in Thunder Bay’s public school system has announced he will retire later this year.
Ian MacRae, director of education for Lakehead Public Schools since 2014, will retire in August, the school board announced Wednesday.
MacRae’s career with the board stretches back to 1975, when he started as a teacher of subjects including chemistry, science, and physical education.
He later served as an administrator at Westgate CVI, Hillcrest High School, Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, and Westgate CVI. Before that, he was an OSSTF district president for around eight years.
“Everyone has their time, and certainly I felt this was a good time to leave in terms of the board being in an excellent position to move forward, with our new strategic plan in particular," MacRae said in an interview Wednesday.
“I feel very good about the state of the board, from trustees to the admin level… I believe it’s going to be a seamless transition for whoever takes over my job.”
The school board highlighted MacRae’s contributions in creating anti-bullying programs, school councils, and new partnerships with community groups, in particular the Thunder Bay Police Service, while in those roles.
As director of education, the board said MacRae has driven forward board initiatives on reconciliation, pride, and health and safety during the pandemic.
“Dedicating my career to students, colleagues, and schools has been a humbling experience,” he said in a statement. “I am very fortunate to have served in the role of director of education for eight years and 24 years previously as a secondary administrator.”
However, MacRae described his 15 years as a teacher as the most memorable part of his career, saying he looked back fondly on his time in the classroom and coaching athletics.
“My years as a teacher-coach at Fort William Collegiate Institute stand out as the most rewarding time of my career," he said. "Walking the spirited halls of secondary schools, coaching competitive athletics, and encouraging students and colleagues to pursue their dreams has been tremendously gratifying.”
As for what the future holds, MacRae said retirement will be a definite change of pace.
“I’m not very good at taking holidays – I don’t think I’ve ever taken one. I’m looking forward to just a little bit of down time, and quite frankly, following the fortunes of Lakehead Public Schools as they move forward.”
