The Board of Trustees has appointed Gary Strother as the acting chief superintendent commencing Aug. 25, 2023.
Gary is a seasoned and dedicated leader in education. He spent 37 years at the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). He began as a teacher, moved into school administration, and then into leadership roles at a system level, followed by eight years as the chief superintendent.
After retiring from CCSD in 2020, Gary continues to play an active role in education. He is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary and St. Mary's University where he teaches courses on the Leadership Quality Standard for superintendents (SLQS) and principals and school jurisdictional leaders (LQS). Gary has also worked with various school districts across the province as an educational consultant. Gary is an active volunteer in the community supporting a number of organizations including being chair of the Board of Governors at St. Mary's University.
The Board's direction to the acting chief superintendent is to provide stability to the organization in this time of transition. This includes maintaining the existing direction of the organization, executing on strategies and Frameworks already underway, being responsive to government direction, and maintaining the existing organizational structures and policies.
The Board extends its gratitude to Chief Superintendent Christopher Usih for his leadership. His last day with the CBE is Aug. 24, 2023.
Recruitment Update
The Board of Trustees has hired Leaders International, an executive search firm, to support the nation-wide search for a new chief superintendent. It is important to consider candidates both internally and from across the country to lead one of the largest school boards in Canada.
We expect the recruitment process to take approximately 4-6 months. The successful candidate may also need time to make the transition to the CBE. Mr. Strother will support the CBE as acting chief superintendent until early 2024.
