GRANDE YELLOWHEAD PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 77
Karen Shipka takes over as the division's Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services

Grande Yellowhead Public School Division will have a new member of the senior administration team when Karen Shipka takes over as the division's Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services effective July 4th.

Ms. Shipka is currently a Director in the Engagement Branch for Alberta Education where she has provided leadership and direction on a number of strategic student and parent engagement initiatives. These include the highly successful student "Speak Out" conferences where youth were invited to have a public voice in matters that affected their learning and futures. After receiving her Bachelor of Elementary Education at the University of Alberta, she was instrumental in facilitating technology initiatives at Edmonton Catholic School District before moving over to Alberta Education in 2006 in the School Technology Sector managing the Emerge One-to-One Laptop Learning Initiative for the next three years. During this time, she also completed her Masters of Education in Education Psychology. In 2009, she became the Senior Manager of Teacher Development, providing leadership and direction in the development of the Education Sector Workforce Planning Framework, provincial teacher induction programs and beginning teacher supports until 2014 when she took over as acting Director of Workforce Planning and Development. In 2015, she accepted the position in the Engagement Branch.

Cory Gray, Superintendent of Schools, is very pleased to have Karen join the administration team at Grande Yellowhead. "Karen's extensive background in strategic planning, visioning and engagement skills as well as her proven record in successful project development and implementation on large scale initiatives, make her an ideal choice for the role of Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services. These attributes are essential as her portfolio includes the management of the Learning Services Department which includes resources and supports for indigenous relations, technology, curriculum and inclusive education."

Ms. Shipka has two grown children and has recently become a first-time and proud grandmother. Ms. Shipka plans on being an active member of the GYPSD team as she believes in the importance of strengthening community ties in order to build strong and effective relationships with all K-12 education stakeholders. "Having worked in the government sector for a number of years, I felt it was the right time to move back to the heart of education at a school division level where I could personally contribute in the long term success of students and staff. Making a difference for students is what I am passionate about and I am looking forward to the excitement and the challenges that this new position will provide."