YELLOWKNIFE EDUCATION DISTRICT NO. 1
Cindi Vaselenak named next Superintendent/ CEO of YK1

The Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Dr. Cindi Vaselenak has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer for Yellowknife Education District No. 1 effective August 1, 2021.

Tina Drew, Board Chair, comments, "Our Canada-wide advertising resulted in a significant number of applications. Dr. Vaselenak was selected from a field of truly outstanding candidates because of her demonstrated leadership capabilities and for her commitment to excellence in serving our students and their families."

Dr. Vaselenak has maintained an outstanding record of school and District leadership throughout a thirty-four-year period as an educator in Alberta. She has worked as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent and Superintendent. Throughout this long very successful career she has worked fervently to improve educational opportunities for students and children.

Most recently, Dr. Vaselenak has worked as an education consultant for the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). She also serves as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Vaselenak has a solid background of research and practice in educational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree in secondary sciences, a Master of Science degree with a specialization in administration and instruction and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership. Cindi is committed to moving Yellowknife Education District No. 1 forward, continuing with its best practices in education and working collaboratively with students, staff and parents to ensure the effectiveness and success of the District.

In March 2019 Dr. Vaselenak was named the Alberta Superintendent of the Year receiving the provincial EXL Award for excellence in School System Leadership. This prestigious award is granted to school system administrators who exhibit exemplary leadership ability and who have enhanced their profession over the course of their career. The criteria for this award highlights Cindi as someone who guides children's educational experiences; establishes the character of a school system's programs through important work with the Board, system and school leaders, teachers and parents; shapes children's attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners; and models effective leadership and mentoring.

Cindi comments, "I am honored to be selected by the Board of Trustees as the next Superintendent of Yellowknife education District No. 1. A desire for lifelong learning and an adventuresome spirit are calling me north. I am impressed with the diversity of educational opportunities, especially the authentic response to the TRC Calls to Action, provided for students in the District. The YK1 mission "Education For Life" will challenge me to inspire and be inspired by the exceptional educators, students and members of the community."