On behalf of the Board and Search Committee of Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS) in Israel, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Lefebvre as the school's next Superintendent, effective August 2027.
A respected educational leader with a strong commitment to student learning and community building, Keith brings extensive leadership experience and a people-first approach to WBAIS.
In announcing the appointment, the WBAIS Board Chair shared:
Throughout the process, Keith impressed us with his commitment to student learning, his relational leadership style, his understanding of effective teaching and learning, and his ability to build strong and trusting communities. We believe he is well positioned to lead WBAIS into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the culture of learning, innovation, and community that defines our school.
Since 2020, Keith has served as Superintendent of Education for the Bluewater District School Board in Chesley, Ontario, where he has supported nearly 19,000 students across 50 schools. During his career with the district, he has also served as Student Achievement and Technology Learning Lead and spent more than a decade as a school principal, consistently focusing on student success, instructional excellence, and collaborative leadership.
Reflecting on the experiences that have shaped his career, Keith shares a story that continues to inspire his work as an educator:
Several years ago, while serving on a hiring panel, I interviewed a former student who was one of three former students applying to return to our school board as teachers. After her strong interview, I asked what had inspired her to choose teaching. She explained that several young teachers, including me, had joined her high school when her cohort was entering Grade 9. She remembered that we made teaching look joyful while also challenging students and preparing them well for post-secondary learning. I had taught her four math courses, including calculus, and coached her ice hockey team. Hearing her reflection filled me with pride and reminded me that a teacher’s influence can be far-reaching and long-lasting.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Economics and a Special Education Certificate from McGill University, along with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Western Ontario. His academic background, combined with decades of educational leadership, has prepared him to lead diverse learning communities with vision, care, and purpose.
Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's words, "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care," Keith is looking forward to joining the WBAIS community.
I am excited to return to the Middle East and to experience the rich history and cultures that make this region so special. During my April visit, I felt warmly welcomed on both campuses and sensed the strong pride of WBAIS staff, students, and parents. The staff were highly professional and eager to showcase the many opportunities available to students. I look forward to joining a team so deeply committed to student achievement and continuous school improvement.
Outside of school, Keith enjoys traveling, golfing, hiking, and reading.
The Walworth Barbour American International School Board, Search Committee, and Search Associates extend their sincere thanks to every candidate who expressed interest in the Superintendent position and to all those who contributed to a successful search process.
