Directors

Norbert Carpenter
Director of the Public Schools Branch

Mr. Carpenter has served as the Director of the Public Schools Branch since July 2020.  In this role he works closely with the board of trustees, senior management and is the chief operating officer of the system comprised of over 20,000 students and 4000 employees.

Norbert brings a wealth of experience working in Prince Edward Island’s public school system, including more than 20 years as a teacher and principal. Before becoming director, he served as an administrator support leader, a position which saw him directly support principals across the Public Schools Branch. He holds degrees from the University of Prince Edward Island, the University of Maine and Mount Saint Vincent University.  Norbert lives with his wife and family in Kings County. He strongly believes that educational decisions should always be made through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Relationships are paramount for Norbert and he values collaboration with all stakeholders. 

Kelly Drummond
Director of Human Resources, Corporate Planning and Principal Support

Kelly joined the Public Schools Branch in January 2020, as the Director of Human Resources, Corporate Planning and Principal Support.  Kelly has extensive experience in leadership roles and Human Resources, she has served as the Director of HR for Health PEI and as an HR Manager representing the Department of Education, Agriculture and Fishers, Rural and Regional Development, Department of Health, and Executive Council. Kelly was the Board Chair for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of PEI for three years and remains as a member of good standing.

As Director, Kelly works with an HR team of six permanent staff and two temporary staff.  The HR division is responsible for supporting approximately 4000 employees which fall under four CUPE locales, the TF Memorandum, UPSE Civil Collective Agreement, and the Excluded Supervisory Contract. Her team also consists of three administrative support leaders whose main responsibility is supporting 56 principals and 75 vice principals.  Areas of responsibility include: workforce planning; recruitment, staffing, and retention; organizational change and development; labour relations; health and wellness; HR technology and analytics; succession planning, and human connections.

Family is incredibly important to Kelly.  She spends all her extra time with her husband Mitch, her daughters Rebecca (Brandon) and Lexi (James), her parents and as of late her granddaughter Andersen.

Kelly fundamentally believes empathy is a critical HR leadership skill. Taking an empathic approach helps build and sustain positive workplace relationships, fosters diversity and inclusion, and encourages cooperation and collaboration. The PSB staff is the number one factor in student success.

Becky Chaisson, CPA, CMA
Director of Corporate Services

Becky has been the Director of Corporate Services since November 2018. Prior to starting the role as Director, she had extensive experience in the PEI public education system in serving as the Financial Services Coordinator where she was involved with the financial leadership and management of the PSB. Prior to moving to the education system, she held various management positions within industry. Becky is a member of good standing with the Chartered Professional Accountants of PEI and is active in various volunteer roles. 
 
As Director of Corporate Services, Becky works with a team of approximately 54 staff to ensure the Branch is providing quality services in the areas of finance, payroll, property maintenance, transportation, occupational health and safety, and information technology.  
 
Becky and her husband also enjoy spending time with their two daughters, which mostly consists of visiting many rinks and ballfields.

Dominique Lecours
Director of Student Services

Dominique Lecours is the latest addition to the leadership team as she joined the PSB in August of 2022 as Director of Student Services.   Her career in education has now spanned over 30 years in roles such as teacher, department head, vice-principal and principal, all at the grade 7-12 levels.
 
Students have always been at the center of her work and she is a staunch supporter of public education in PEI.  She strongly believes that education is the great equalizer in our society and is critical to the future of our province and its citizens.
 
In her work as Director of Student Services, her team includes over 100 members who work directly with school staff, parents and students to provide different types of support for a wide variety of student needs.  The driving force of student services is for students to reach their full potential.
 
After having moved to PEI in 1987, she is glad to call the Island home, and would not live anywhere else.  In her spare times, Dominique loves camping, and time spent outdoors. 

Dave Gillis
Director of Transportation and Risk Management

Dave Gillis is the Director of Transportation and Risk Management with the Public Schools Branch. A product of the PEI public school system, Dave has worked with the Western School Board, English Language School Board and Public Schools Branch since 1998. Having earned his MBA in 2004, Dave has dedicated his working career to the betterment of the public school system in Prince Edward Island.  

Dave is married with two children that are products of the PSB school system. With his family “living the PSB experience”, Dave believes strongly that our daily efforts are worth it by providing future opportunity for students, opening doors that only a quality education can. “The children are our future…  Teach them well and let them lead the way…”

Janet Perry-Payne
Director of EAL/FAL Programs and Services 

Janet joined the Public Schools Branch in 2019, first as the Administrator and then becoming the Director of EAL/FAL Programs and Services in 2021.  In her role, she is responsible for the delivery of language supports and services for children and youth who do not speak either English or French.  Her work touches K-12 schools across the province and highlights the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.  

As an educator, Janet has been involved in Island schools since 1986.  She has experience as a classroom teacher, a resource teacher, a special education teacher and a school counselor.   She has been fortunate to be involved with children at all stages of their educational journey, elementary, intermediate and secondary.  Her educational background in special education, school psychology and counseling are tremendous assets to her current portfolio.  

Janet strongly believes that children and youth are the future and that education should provide the foundation from which children and youth can achieve their greatest potential.  Janet vowed when she entered education to put children first and that remains her focus today.  She and her team of 55 place great importance on the individuality of all students and feel privileged to be part of the public education system, teaching and learning with children and youth.