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Salon C, Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton

Thursday, March 9, 2017

College of Alberta School Superintendents

Retirement Ceremony

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all CASS members across the province, I extend sincere congratulations to our colleagues who are retiring this year. This celebration is dedicated to honoring your distinguished careers as system leaders and educators.

When I consider the contributions you have made and the impact you have had over the course of your careers, the CASS symbol – a starfish – comes immediately to mind. The starfish is a celestial symbol representative of love, guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition, and regeneration. The CASS symbol is apt; it is evident that each of you, throughout your careers, has been guided by and applied these representations unreservedly in your work. You have achieved much success and have made significant contributions to education and leadership and for this, we congratulate and thank you.

The starfish story describes an idealistic child who, against criticism and all odds, steadfastly throws beached starfish back into the ocean to save them, one by one. This story resonates through your work and reminds us of the important role and impact children play in our lives. Like this child, your leadership has made a difference one individual, one issue, one leader, one innovation, one opportunity and one student at a time! Thank you for your perseverance, passion and contributions.

As you transition toward retirement …

May you keep your luggage light And yours be all fair weather!Your purse be full, your cares be slight, Your shoes be sturdy leather!

And may some places that you find Be nowhere mapped or charted:The country of the carefree mind, The hills of the high-hearted.

Happy surprises crowd your days And nights, and bring sound sleeping;And may you have a sense alwaysThat you have God’s safekeeping.

May time run like a silver stream Into a singing river,And may the still remembered dream Be part of you forever.

- Author Unknown

Best wishes for continued health, happiness and fulfillment as you embrace future opportunities and passions. As CASS colleagues, we look forward to opportunities to stay connected with each of you and look forward to hearing about your retirement experiences.

CASS President’s Retirement Message

Colleen Symyrozum-Watt CASS President 2016-17

Retirees

2017Andjelic, Brian .....................................................................Superintendent

Prairie Rose School Division

Barrett, Donna .....................................................................Superintendent Northland School Division

Bauer, Diane ....................................................... Associate Superintendent Lakeland Catholic School Division

Bieber, Brian .............................................Associate Superintendent - HR Red Deer Public Schools

Bosch, Clark .............. Associate Superintendent of Programs & Services Horizon School Division

Burger, John ...................................................................Director of Schools Rocky View Schools

Fedor, Sherri ....................................................... Associate Superintendent Medicine Hat School District

Fenske, Neil ..................................................................... Executive Director Alberta Education

Gouthro, Elizabeth..................................Director, Instructional Services Calgary Board of Education

Jensen, Kathleen ................................................Assistant Superintendent Grasslands School Division

Mayer, Janet .................... Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services Peace River School Division

Oulton, Cam ........................................................Assistant Superintendent Alberta Distance Learning Centre

Quick, David .......................................................Assistant Superintendent St. Alberta Catholic Schools

Raymond, Heather ...................................................... Managing Director Edmonton Public Schools

Steele, David .........................................................................Superintendent Grasslands School Division

Zimmerman, Eileen ......................................... Associate Superintendent Elk Island Public Schools

Jacobs, Larry* .......................................................................Superintendent Wolf Creek Public Schools

Retirees

2017

It’s fascinating to me how one’s purpose changes over time. This is a very good thing as new skills and experiences should shape our passion.

Some would say that our passion should shape our skills and experiences. I disagree.

When I was a student in grade 8, I had every intention of flying jet fighters after graduating from Royal Roads University. By the time I made it to grade 10, I planned to be a medical doctor. But it was a couple of experiences during high school that directed me my true passion and purpose. In high school I taught private guitar lessons, that had a definite impact on me; I taught both adults and kids. I enjoyed it a great deal. My teaching skill was better than my actual guitar skills. Those who don’t do…teach? The opportunity to be involved in coaching Special Olympics in PE 30 cinched it. I knew I wanted to be a public school teacher.

Since then I have held most positions one could aspire to in the public school system as a certified teacher. I was fortunate to work in a K-12 school in my first assignment. Teaching physical education gave me a great chance to work across the grades and to get to know most of the kids in the school. Coaching many sports all year long helped me to build strong relationships. There was little in the way of mentorship or learning the importance of routines and procedures back then. Early on I learned that I had much to learn. I wasn’t exactly classroom ready out of the U of L. My very first lesson in PE 1 on day one was most humbling and really put my skills to the test… one year I taught both grade one PE and Biology 30.

After serving many years as a vice principal and then principal, eventually I ended up at central office as Assistant Superintendent. I also have held all three Superintendent positions and been very fortunate to have worked with a variety of people each of whom I learned much from. I have also enjoyed working with many board trustees who had big hearts for serving students and community. While I look forward to more flex time with family, friends and travel, I also hope to serve community in some capacity. It is a little scary to think that I don’t have a plan beyond July. Saying that, I also think it’s important to listen to the advice of those before me who suggest giving the brain a few months to heal! I have faith a new purpose will present itself at the right time.

While the work is vitally important, I will miss the people much more. Outstanding students and adults inspire me each day. I very much enjoyed the work of Director of CASSIX. I really felt that I better understood the work of CASS after those two years. I highly recommend that you give it a try. I was a better superintendent as a result. I would also like to thank Barry and Rosanne for their support and mentorship at that time. I owe a debt of gratitude to my CASSIX peers who also were so supportive all these years. Most of all I would like to thank my PRSD executive staff friends. Some tough times, sure, but the laughs certainly outweighed the tears. Laughter certainly is the best medicine. With that I’ll leave you with a question I ask my staff on a regular basis… How’s your psycap today?

Brian Andjelic

I began my education career in Montreal teaching for four years at a private school serving students with a range of developmental disabilities.

Following a move to Alberta, I was employed by St. Albert Public Schools as a resource teacher for two years before joining Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) in 1979. From these early teaching experiences, I began to understand the importance of inclusive teaching practices.

During my 30 years with EPSB, I was fortunate to have opportunities to develop and hopefully contribute as a teacher, education consultant for northern Alberta, a school and central office principal and assistant superintendent. I am grateful to many colleagues who mentored me in each of these roles. Through having responsibility to implement many programs of choice, I came to respect that quality education can take many forms. I learned that innovation often comes through forming partnerships with others of differing views. Completion of a Master and Doctorate of Education at the University of Alberta enabled me to broaden my understanding of the role of leadership in this process.

As a member of CASS in 2001 and representing Zone 2/3 on the provincial executive for two years, I became aware of great diversity of educational contexts in the province and the important role that CASS plays in supporting the professional growth of system leaders.

In 2010, I joined Northland School Division No. 61 as Superintendent of Schools. During my six years with the Division, I was honoured to meet and work with many fine parents, community leaders, and local educators who understood and taught me the importance that learning local languages, cultures, history and traditions is an essential foundation in the education of their youth.

While my passion for teaching and learning will continue, I am enjoying the gift of time to be with family and the freedom to explore and pursue other interests.

Donna Barrett

Diane Bauer

Diane Bauer is a passionate and dedicated educator. She has served Lakeland Catholic School District for 31 years. Her commitment to

excellence has inspired countless teachers and students.

LCSD allowed her to be a risk taker and always supported her to dream big. She began her teaching career in 1983 at the elementary level at Notre Dame Elementary School in Bonnyville. In 1990 Diane moved to Dr. Bernard Brosseau Middle School where she taught grades 5-8 and Physical Education for ten years. From 1996 to 2000 she served this school as Vice Principal, Student Counselor and Classroom Support Teacher. In 2000 Diane took the lead on the District’s AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) project, which was focused on literacy enhancement. She served as principal at Dr. Bernard Brosseau School from 2003-2007. From 2007 to 2008 Diane took the lead on the District’s One-to-One Laptop initiative. In 2008 Diane became the Director of Human Resources. For the last 16 years she has been in a leadership position with Lakeland Catholic and for 10 years she has served as Assistant Superintendent.

As Assistant Superintendent she was responsible for Human Resources, leadership for the District’s student academic achievement, assessment, strategic planning, program and curriculum implementation, inclusive education, and technology. Diane has worked closely with District Administrators to ensure the coordination of efforts for outstanding teaching, learning and student performance.

Diane is a dynamic Catholic leader who possesses integrity and vision. She has a proven record of making ethical and effective decisions to support student learning and she believes every student can be successful.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at LCSD. It has been a rewarding and exciting career. I am grateful to have been able to work with students and staff who have brought me such joy.”

Diane is married to Keith and they have three children: Janelle, Justin and Jaclyne. This past year Diane became a grandmother to Riley and she is looking forward to meeting her first granddaughter at the beginning of March. In her retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her family and she is interested in getting involved in spin classes, community events and traveling.

Brian Bieber

I have enjoyed a very fulfilling thirty-nine year career as an educator, including twenty-nine years as a teacher and school administrator, and

ten years as a system administrator. Upon graduating from the University of Alberta with a B.Ed. degree in 1978, I was fortunate to be offered a teaching position in Whitecourt. In 1981, I began teaching for the Red Deer Public School District, where I’ve remained for the duration of my career.

After completing my M.Ed. degree in Educational Administration, with a specialization in Human Resources, from the University of Calgary in 1991, I was appointed to the position of principal. It was my privilege to serve in that leadership role for sixteen years at three different schools. In 2007, I was honored to be appointed Associate Superintendent of Human Resources for Red Deer Public Schools.

I consider myself fortunate to have had such a rewarding career, engaged in work about which I am passionate. My efforts have been guided by my desire to help others succeed. In so doing, I’ve tried to ensure that people feel valued and supported. I admire the talented colleagues that I have been blessed to work with, and I am forever grateful for the important things I have learned from them.

I have been married to my wonderful wife, Heather, for 35 years. We are extremely proud of our son Mark and daughter-in-law Katie. Following retirement, Heather and I look forward to exploring new pursuits, enjoying opportunities for travel, and discovering whether or not golfing more frequently will improve one’s game.

Clark began his teaching career in 1983 with Lethbridge School District #51 at Wilson Junior High. From there he went to Gilbert Paterson

Community School, back to Wilson, over to Allan Watson, out to Picture Butte High School, in to Winston Churchill High School, west to Chinook High School and now here with Horizon School Division.

It is through these experiences that Clark brings his breadth of experience as an exemplary educator and administrator. Over the course of his career, he has taught elementary, middle school, and high school students across a wide variety of core and complementary curricula. He has served as an Assistant Principal or Principal at all three levels, and, more recently, served 14 years as principal of three different high schools. Clark’s experience has been in both urban and rural contexts. Known to be a student-centered leader who strives for excellence and continuous improvement, Clark is committed to advancing a highly effective school system.

Clark’s career highlights center around building strong learning organizations for diverse learners. He believes that all students can succeed in schools that have vibrant cultures, high standards, and supportive staff.

Outside of the educational realm, Clark has been a lifelong participant in athletics. He has been on teams that have won 2 World Championships, a Pan-American Games Gold Medal, 7 Canadian Championships and 15 Provincial titles in four different sports. He still plays hockey and admittedly spends “way too much” time on the golf course.

Clark and his wife Amber Darroch, also an educator, have four children: Keaton, Kacie, Madison and Noah.

Clark Bosch

John’s life has followed a pattern of taking the “road less travelled by.” While an undergrad student in the College of Education at the Ohio

State University John was invited to enroll in an experimental program where a small cohort of undergrads were enrolled in graduate level courses in education research and evaluation, plus a 15-credit internship with the Ohio Department of Education. The experimental program, plus experience as the Vice-President in the Council of Undergraduate Students in Education where John represented the undergraduate voice on the College Senate and Program Committee of the College gave him unique experience as an undergrad, including a good friendship with the Dean, Dr. L. Cunningham.

When nearing graduation, Dr. Cunningham asked John what his plans were and when John said he was interested in starting graduate studies, the Dean recommended John apply to the University of Alberta, Education Administration Department where Dr. Cunningham had just returned as a member of an external review team. So, John did some research on Alberta and became intrigued with a venue that offered unlimited outdoor activities, as well as a University that offered waived tuition plus a research assistantship.

John became Alberta bound in September 1973 and finished his M. Ed. 11 months later after writing his Master’s thesis on Student Alienation in Northern Alberta. This research led naturally to a principal position with Northland School Division. After working as a school administrator for 11 years John began Ph.D. studies at the University of Alberta in 1985. After earning his Ph.D. John began a career with Alberta Education in the Planning Branch in 1988. John found the politics of education fascinating from his perspective within the Ministry. While with the Ministry John influenced such areas as the Alberta Accountability framework, student assessment via the Grade Level of Achievement Reporting initiative, research on high school completion and teacher evaluation via input to development of the current Teacher Evaluation Policy.

John returned to the field as a Director with Rocky View Schools in 2010 following the elimination of the Alberta Education, Accountability and Reporting Division. John still views the shut-down of the Accountability ADM portfolio as one of the most significant set-backs to the efficacy of the Ministry and to education quality in his 40+ years of experience in education in Alberta.

John maintains he has not retired, but has transitioned to launching his company Practical Data Solutions, Inc. (PDS) with his partner, Dr. Anna Nadirova. PDS continues on the “road less travelled” by being a voice for students through research on student engagement, especially focusing on factors that put kids at risk of disengaging from school. Visit the PDS website @ www.practicaldatasolutions.ca

Dr. John Burger

Sherrill Fedor (known to most as Sherri) completed a B. Ed at the University of Alberta. At that time, teachers were allowed to start

teaching after completing three years of university with a three-year deadline to compete the fourth year of the degree. This allowed Sherri to start her first teaching job a few months after turning 20 years.

Sherri began her teaching career in Sherwood Park, teaching kindergarten. After four years, Sherri and her husband moved to Medicine Hat where she taught at St. Mary’s School both as a resource room teacher and a junior high math teacher.

In 1999, Sherri moved to Central office to serve as a Coordinator of Student Services with the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education. In 2005, Sherri convocated with a Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University and accepted the position of Associate Superintendent of Student Services. In 2008, Sherri joined the Central Office team in Medicine Hat School District as Associate Superintendent Student Services, a role she filled until her retirement December 31, 2016.

Sherri is thankful, firstly, to her husband Vern who has provided unwavering support and kept the home front steady. As educators, we commit to long hours to make the education system the best it can be for children. Also, she extends appreciation to their children, Amanda, Jennilynne and Devon for their understanding and support.

She also extends her gratitude to have had to the opportunity to work with children that have faced daunting challenges, with parents who placed their trust in the school system and did their best to support their children and to colleagues who have had an unwavering commitment to all children’s success. In particular, Sherri is proud to be a member of CASS, a professional organization that places the well-being for children and youth in all decisions and actions.

In the future, she looks forward to more time with family, time at the cabin, quilting and travel.

Sherrill Fedor

Alberta born, Neil went to school, lived and worked in a number of locations in our great province and also in Eugene, Oregon. While this

is a bio about Neil, one of the greatest benefits of teaching is the people we meet. The graduates whose paths we still cross, our colleagues in districts and various educational organizations--the finest educators anywhere, and community members we socialize with and serve on boards together. So, this is really a tribute to the people Neil encountered over nearly four decades.

Let us begin with the people of Rosalind, where Neil started teaching in 1989 with a freshly printed B.Ed. (Secondary Mathematics and Science). Next to 1991 and the staff and students associated with Camrose Lutheran College (now the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta), where Neil taught Grade 12 Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. It was that experience that kept Neil in education, rather than detouring into another profession.

Next stop was the University of Alberta, completing a M.Ed. (Educational Finance and Computer Based Learning) in 1984. That led to Alberta Education as Administrative Intern with one Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) and then Executive Assistant to another ADM. What a grand time to be in the Ministry, when the senior leadership team comprised the pre-eminent educators of the day.

Then in 1987, Neil returned to schools. He was the Principal (Headmaster) of Concordia High School and, in 1997, Principal of École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School. In the midst of that was the completion of a Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Oregon (Curriculum Foundations and Organizational Theory). In 2004 came a shift to the central office of Black Gold Regional Schools—first as a Director and then as Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

2012 saw a return to Alberta Education, first as Executive Director in the assessment area and then in the curriculum area. Retirement ( July, 2016) is a hectic schedule of diversions—travelling, hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, hunting, golfing, curling, coaching, farming, and teaching a few university classes at Concordia University of Edmonton. Special thanks to Tracy, who has supported me through a few tough days and celebrated the many great days, and to our children Bryan, Robyn, and Layna who are now professionals in their own right.

Neil Fenske

Elizabeth Gouthro was an educator with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) for forty-three years. Since 2010, she has served as Director,

Instructional Services, (Special Education, English Language Learning, Psychology, Early learning, Aboriginal Education, Outreach.). Prior to this, she served as Director for Diversity since September 2007 where she had responsibility for providing cultural and linguistical services and support to the CBE. Liz has also served in numerous other leadership positions including Area Director, Principal, Assistant and Vice Principal and teacher K-12 and adult education.

Elizabeth has also been actively involved in her professional organizations, at the local and provincial level for the ATA and CASS. She has served CASS in a variety of positions as her CASS zone treasurer, secretary, chair and metro director for 16 years. She also has served on many Alberta Education committees throughout her career.

Elizabeth’s academic credentials include Doctoral Studies - Educational Leadership and a Master of Education, Human Resources and Organizational Behavior from the University of Calgary; a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education, Math and Science from Acadia University; a Master of Science Degree in Endocrinology, Dalhousie University; and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and English, St. Francis Xavier University.

Elizabeth is currently a CASS Director, Leadership Learning, for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education. She was the proud 2015 recipient of the national Indspire Guiding the Journey Indigenous Educator Award.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and tennis player. She enjoys spending time with her daughters, Courtney and Bretton, her large extended family and friends and reading. Sharing a meal with family and friends is a much loved time.

Elizabeth Gouthro

Kathleen Jensen, Assistant Superintendent for Grasslands Public Schools, has announced her retirement as of August, 2017. Kathleen

has been an educator for thirty-five years and has spent the majority of her career in Grasslands.

Kathleen was born in Brooks and grew up on a farm near Duchess. She attended Duchess School and then Camrose Lutheran College, prior to finishing a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. Her love of music, piano and choral, led her to majoring in this area. Her first teaching job was in Smoky Lake, Alberta where she taught music from grades one to twelve.

In 1984, Kathleen and her husband Grant moved back to Brooks where Grant began teaching at Brooks Composite High School and Kathleen at Bassano School.

Kathleen and Grant have three children and for ten years, Kathleen balanced a career of piano teaching, substitute teaching and remaining at home with the children. She gained a wide range of experience as she taught in many schools in the district during that time.

Kathleen returned to full-time teaching at Griffin Park School and then at Brooks Junior High School. Her love of fine arts led her to a teaching assignment of English Language Arts and Drama. Many full-scale musical productions at Brooks Junior High School were a highlight of her career.

In 2006, Kathleen became the Vice-Principal at Brooks Junior High School. She completed her Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Calgary and remained in this administrative role until 2011 when she became Principal of Griffin Park School.

In 2013, Kathleen became the Assistant Superintendent of Grasslands Public Schools. Her focus has been in the area of student learning and curriculum. She has worked with ESL programming, the counselling program, professional development and provincial testing. She is a passionate advocate of public education and states, “I have always said how lucky I have been to work in a public school system. My children have grown up in this system and I believe that they are better citizens because of it. Every student who comes through our doors is accepted, respected, and valued. I truly value the diversity of our district and the richness that it brings to the experience of learning.”

Grant and Kathleen will retire together this year and hope to travel and continue to support the community that they love.

Kathleen Jensen

Janet attended Grande Prairie Regional College before transferring to the University of Alberta where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education

in 1982. This was the same year that she married her college sweetheart, Maurice Mayer, and began her teaching career in Peace River, Alberta.

Janet continued her career with Peace River School Division while she and Maurice welcomed three active boys to the family. In 2006, Janet became the Project Coordinator for one of the first five Mental Health Capacity Building pilot projects in Alberta and in 2007, the same year that she earned a Master of Counselling degree, Janet was hired as Supervisor of Student Services for Peace River School Division. In 2014, this role changed to Supervisor of Learning Supports.

Janet held a temporary role as Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services in the 2015-2016 year and after retiring from her full-time role, Janet returned to Peace River School Division in a part-time capacity in 2016-2017 to assist with transition.

She is looking forward to continuing to travel with Maurice and spending time with her three sons and two daughter-in-laws, as well as extended family and friends. She feels very blessed and grateful for the many opportunities that her education career has provided and for the opportunity to network with many colleagues through the College of Alberta School Superintendents.

Janet Mayer

My career in education started in Daysland, and has taken me to Wainwright, Irma, Oyen, Swan Hills and Barrhead.

Although I am a special education teacher by training and temperament, I have taught ECS, (four years) elementary, junior high and high school. My administrative career has been suspiciously checkered: an Assistant Superintendent, then an Associate Principal, then five different principalships culminating in being an Assistant Superintendent all over again!

I have enjoyed and valued the people that I got to work with - those that mentored me, and those that perhaps I mentored somewhat. I especially enjoyed watching students succeed and supporting the teachers that helped them do so.

I believe that teaching is the best career of all and if I could do it all over again, I would! Thank you all and I wish you well as you go on supporting education in Alberta.

Cam Oulton

David has been an educator for 38 years in Newfoundland and Alberta. In that time, he has served students, staff and parents in 8 school

divisions as teacher, curriculum consultant, Department of Education consultant, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

In 2003, David’s leadership abilities were recognized by his colleagues who chose him as a recipient of the Canadian Association of School Administrators EXL Award for Excellence in School Division Leadership.

David has been an innovative leader especially when it came to the integration of technology in the teaching and learning process. He was the creator of “Power Up to Learn” that put technology in the hands of students long before BYOD was common practice.

Throughout his career Dave has received the love and support of his wife Debbie and 3 children; Michael, Matthew and Sarah. Their flexibility and willingness to move around the Province of Newfoundland and then to Alberta allowed David to grow in his career as they grew as a family.

David has been an active member of CASS and served Zone 1/2/3 CASS members as their Summer Conference Chair. David would like to extend his thanks and best wishes to CASS members and our association leadership for the support and friendship he received during his 12 years in Alberta, it has been greatly appreciated.

As for the future, Dave is doing some consulting and plans to spend more time boating with Debbie, his children and granddaughter Aubrey.

David Quick

I grew up in Montreal and attended CEGEP where I completed a diploma in the field of disabilities. I moved to Edmonton in 1977 working three

years in the disability field. I then returned to school and attended the University of Alberta (U of A) completing a B.Ed. Upon graduation, I was hired by Edmonton Public Schools (EPS). My 34-year teaching career began in the field of special education and has included teaching in many diverse settings and teaching kindergarten to grade 9. I worked for 10 years in the inner city, first as assistant principal at McCauley School then as the principal of Norwood School. Upon leaving Norwood School I worked as a senior manager in EPS central office for 9 years and the last five years as the Managing Director for Inclusive Learning, Diversity, and Comprehensive School Health.

My Doctor of Philosophy from the U of A was completed in 2002. The topic was inclusive education and the narrative of parents when they seek inclusion for their children with developmental disabilities.

I am an active volunteer. My present volunteering is with the U of A Alumni Association. Past volunteer activities have included being a Board member of Centre for Family Literacy, President of the U of A Phi Delta Kappa Chapter and Cabinet Member for United Way and volunteered in the Community Living Movement, advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, for over 16 years.

Throughout my volunteer and work career I have focused my desire to create communities that meet the needs of all children ensuring they have the resources to grow up to be healthy contributing citizens.

In my retirement, I am revisiting my love for learning through an appointment as Adjunct Professor with the U of A and I am an active contributor to the Centre for Research and Teacher Education Development. In addition to this my many other interests in retirement include being with my life time friend-my husband Paul, exercising, walking, knitting, and travelling.

Dr. Heather Raymond

When one is retiring for the second time, comments vary from “what took you so long?” to “what are you going to do?”.

I grew up on a small mixed farm in southeastern Saskatchewan with a younger brother and sister, a wonderfully supportive nurse/musician mother and an ethical, well-respected farmer father. From high school in Wawota I went to the U of S where I completed a BSA (Agricultural Economics), and a B. Ed. (math major). From there it was on to teaching math and various other subjects for three years in Val Marie and Plenty. I met my wife Kim in high school and she eventually succumbed to a lengthy courtship and married me while I was teaching in Val Marie.

Experience in administration began in Plenty with three years as principal; during those years I also served a term as President of the STF local in Rosetown. The lure of the land then took us back to the farm at Kelso. Four years of frost, falling commodity prices and 24% interest necessitated temporary jobs as Chemistry teacher, Assistant Farm Management Specialist, and District Manager of the Land Bank.

After realizing that my true passion was working with students and their learning, and accepting that I needed to make a living, I went back to education full time as principal in Kamsack for six years and Humboldt for six years. During this time, I completed a PGD in Educational Administration and an M.Ed. from the University of Regina and coached football and baseball.

For 11 years I was Director of Education (CEO) in Moosomin, Moose Jaw, and Prairie Valley (the rural division surrounding Regina). I was president of LEADS (League of Educational Administrators Directors and Superintendents), and represented LEADS as a representative on the Equity in Education Forum and on a Foundation Operating Grant Reference Committee.

My first try at retirement was short-lived and unsuccessful. I spent most of a year consulting for the Saskatchewan Department of Education on education finance and then moved to Alberta where I was Deputy Superintendent for 6 years in Grasslands. I am completing my 4th year as Superintendent. It has been a wonderful career, highlighted by the energy, enthusiasm and humour exhibited by students and committed educators.

The second retirement plan involves travel, and enjoying good music, good literature and sports. We will also be free to impose on our children: Amy (Lawyer in Whitehorse), John (Territory Relationship Manager with FCC in Swift Current), Kathryn (Counsellor in a school in Victoria), and Colleen (Engineer in Saskatoon) and spoil our three grandchildren.

David Steele

Eileen graduated from the University of Alberta and started her teaching career with the County of Leduc teaching special education. Eileen

joined Elk Island Public Schools two years later teaching at FR Haythorne Junior High, Math and Language Arts.

Eileen then spent 16 years as a Guidance Counsellor at Ardrossan Junior Senior High School. She completed her Masters in Psychology degree at the U of A in 1992 and became registered as a psychologist in 1996.

Eileen spent several years in private practice as a psychologist and provided contracted service to Alberta Learning while also working part time at Salisbury High School as a guidance counsellor / school psychologist.

In 2007, Eileen became a consultant and then Director of Student Support Services. Since 2012, Eileen has been the Associate Superintendent, Supports for Students.

The common thread throughout Eileen’s career has been a focus on service leadership and putting students first. Eileen has thoroughly enjoyed her career in education and has been honored to serve students, staff, parents and the community. New found time will be spent with her family, travel and pursuing whatever new adventures present themselves.

Eileen Zimmerman

In MEMORIUM

Dr. Larry Jacobs

Larry Wallace Jacobs was born in Stettler, Alberta and passed away peacefully in his sleep this past December. Larry was a scholar – Ph.D. holder – outstanding

teacher, educator and sports coach, avid athlete and promoter of physical fitness/health, historian, car buff and the best/most loving father anyone could ever ask for.

Larry will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Catherine, and sons, Cale and Lachlan, along with many family members, friends and co-workers.

Larry graduated at the age of 16 from Rimbey High School. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s of Education form the University of Calgary, Masters in Phys. Ed from the University of Montana and PhD from the University of Alberta; playing multiple Varsity sports for these universities, including hockey, football, and his favourite of all, basketball. He was even fortunate enough to obtain a tryout with the Calgary Stampeders after all his University sporting endeavours. His teaching career took him all over Alberta, as a teacher, principal and system leader for multiple school divisions, including Clearwater SD, Wild Rose SD, where he served as Deputy Superintendent, Mandurah in South Western Australia where he participated in a yearlong teaching exchange with his family, and finally Wolf Creek Public Schools, where he finished his career in education as Superintendent of Schools.

Larry was committed to service to his profession, and served on the CASS Board of Directors from 2012 – 2015. Larry was the 50th CASS President in 2013/14. He was the person most responsible for the first of what is now an annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Gathering, and the establishment of the CASS First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Action Committee. These are but two examples of Larry’s absolute commitment that every student deserved and should be afforded excellent education opportunities.

Larry was incredibly well read and researched, with a progressive vision for education and student learning. As a young child, his mother would mail order books to their remote rural farm back in the early 1950’s. This kindled the fire for his undying love for reading and learning. He always saw a different way for doing things and would bring people together to collaborate and envision a “new way” that created success for all learners: students, parents, teachers and division staff. Provincially he worked with the Ministry of Education, ASBA and to create a provincial vision for student education.

One of Larry’s greatest passions was physical activity, and more specifically: running. He even wrote his honours Ph.D. thesis on running, titled: Running as an Addiction Process. He ran for roughly 10 years in the Jasper-Banff relay, a race that took place annually in the month of June. Larry spent countless hours with his sons being active and playing sports. They spent many a day in the local school gymnasiums lifting weights, playing basketball, badminton, soccer, or any other sport that piqued their interest that day. He also loved to golf with family, friends and colleagues. This love for physical recreation and sport founded many relationships that lasted his lifetime.

“Best wishes toour newestretirees for

continued goodhealth and

happiness formany yearsto come.”