It's with emotion that the Board of Trustees received at its September 19 meeting the notice of retirement of Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest Superintendent Brigitte Kropielnicki. This decision follows Mrs. Kropielnicki's well-considered reflection after more than 33 years of exemplary commitment to francophone education in Alberta. Her departure is planned for the end of her contract on July 31, 2025.
Mrs. Kropielnicki has made a significant impact on the history of the CSNO for over 30 years through her educational vision, her dedication to students, and her leadership. She has held various positions within the CSNO, from teaching, to school principal (Quatre-Vents and Héritage), to Deputy Superintendent, and finally Superintendent. She leaves a substantial legacy, notably the development of École des Quatre-Vents from 2000 to 2008.
Among her achievements since becoming superintendent in 2015 are the restructuring of the CSNO's organizational clarity, the implementation of several educational and strategic plans, and the expansion of programs and service such as student counselling, inclusive education, daycare services, and student wellness. Additionally, Mrs. Kropielnicki played a crucial role in school infrastructure projects, securing a new building for École des Quatre-Vents (2020) and a complete modernization for École Héritage (2024).
Her contribution to the evolution of francophone education extends beyond her roles at the CSNO. With the needs of the francophone school community always at the forefront, Mrs. Kropielnicki maintained active involvement in various local, regional, and provincial bodies. Notably, she served as Director of the Réseau adaptation scolaire from 2010 to 2012 and sat on numerous boards such as CEDÉFA, CEFFA, CASS, ACFA provincial, ACFA régionale de Rivière-la-Paix, and the francophone deanery.
"After two terms as CSNO Superintendent, it is time for me to pass the torch. It has been a great privilege for me to serve this exceptional community. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the school trustees, as well as all the central office and school staff, for their support and collaboration over the years," said Ms. Kropielnicki. "I will always remain attached to the CSNO school community!"
The CSNO Chair, Mrs. Sylvianne Maisonneuve, wishes to highlight Mrs. Kropielnicki's exemplary commitment: "On behalf of the CSNO, I wish to express our sincere gratitude for Mrs. Kropielnicki's remarkable work. Her organizational and educational leadership has ensured the CSNO's growth and contributed to the success of our students. Our school community is deeply impacted by her tenure, and her numerous achievements will continue to inspire each of us."
The Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest plans to begin the recruitment process for a new superintendent. The process to fill the position will take place over the coming months, with the new superintendent expected to start on August 1, 2025.
