At a special Board meeting held July 30th, the Edmonton Public Schools Board of Trustees appointed Ron Thompson as the new Superintendent of Schools, effective September 1, 2025.
The decision follows a comprehensive national search conducted by the Board of Trustees.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to share the appointment of Ron Thompson as Superintendent of Schools," says Julie Kusiek, Board Chair for Edmonton Public Schools.
"Ron is a deeply respected and experienced educator who embodies the very best of Edmonton Public Schools. We are excited to have Ron lead our school division, continuing to champion the importance of public education and our commitment to student success."
A seasoned educator and caring leader
Thompson brings an impressive 25 years of dedicated service with the Division, having held a variety of roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal and, most recently, assistant superintendent of schools. This extensive journey within Edmonton Public Schools has provided him with invaluable insights and a profound understanding of the community the Division serves.
Throughout his career, Thompson has been known as a calm and caring leader, consistently approaching challenges with thoughtful consideration, curiosity and genuine empathy. His unwavering commitment to improving student success is central to his work, as he consistently applies a student-first lens to all decisions.
He is a passionate advocate for public education and a strong relationship builder, qualities that are essential in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for students, staff, and families. The Board is confident that Thompson will continue to uphold the core values of Edmonton Public Schools.
"I am deeply honoured and excited to be named Superintendent of Schools for Edmonton Public Schools," says Thompson. "Throughout my time with the Division, I've witnessed the unwavering commitment of staff and the incredible capabilities of students. Our strong community, including parents, volunteers and partners, are all key parts to our collective success. I am eager to build upon this foundation, supporting student achievement and working to make sure students are well-prepared for their journey ahead."
Committed to student success
Thompson is a seasoned educator with a distinguished 25-year career at Edmonton Public Schools. Ron has been:
- a classroom teacher
- an assistant principal
- the principal of Callingwood, Ottewell and Svend Hansen schools
- assistant superintendent of schools
This background has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and community needs.
Thompson's vision is rooted in the belief that every student deserves to succeed. He is deeply committed to ensuring that all students are given the tools and supports to achieve their full potential. He understands that strong relationships are paramount in education, recognizing that it takes a dedicated team including staff, families, and community partners to create the optimal conditions for student success.
Thompson is a firm believer in the Division's mission, vision and values, seeing them not just as guiding principles, but as actionable commitments. He is dedicated to actively advancing the goals outlined in the strategic plan, creating conditions for innovation and driving continuous improvement to benefit students.
Community involvement
Beyond his professional contributions, Thompson is actively involved in community building. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Island Lake Historical and Improvement Society, dedicating his efforts to community enhancements. He also serves as a director on the Telus World of Science Board of Directors. Previously, he was a committed member of the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton, where he held executive positions as secretary and treasurer, in addition to serving as a general member.
In his personal time, Ron likes spending time with his wife and family at their cabin and pursuing his passions for golf and travel.
