As of January 1st, James Robinson will be the new Superintendent of Schools and the CEO of the Grande Prairie Public School Division.
The division’s Board of Trustees announced Robinson will replace Sandy McDonald, who plans to retire in the new year. Board Chair Joan Nellis says the board considered feedback from parents and staff about the characteristics they wanted to see in our next Superintendent, leading to James emerging as the leading candidate.
“We are excited about the future of our division under his experienced and thoughtful leadership,” Nellis says. “James brings a valuable blend of continuity and fresh vision to the role—positioning him well to build on our strengths and help shape a bright future for our students, staff and school communities.”.
James has served as Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent since 2012, after spending 12 years in education with the Tlicho Community Services Agency in Behchoko, NT.
According to the announcement his leadership in GPPSD has been instrumental in supporting the successful implementation of new curriculum and the development of system supports for optimum learning. He will apply his broad
experience and skills to the role and, together with his passion for education, will lead the division on its continued path to success.”
The University of New Brunswick and University of Calgary graduate says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community of Grande Prairie in the new role.
“Our division supports 9,000 students and their families to make our city and our region a better place and I look forward to working alongside our Board of Trustees, our division teams and our schools to continue this excellent work. It is a great honour to be able to continue to contribute to the success of our division in this new role,” James says.
McDonald announced his retirement plan in December of last year, after eight years of being in the role.
