Edmonton Public School Board names new superintendent

Ron Thompson has been appointed as the new superintendent for Edmonton's public schools.

The Edmonton Public School Board of Trustees appointed a new superintendent on Wednesday in a unanimous vote.

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Ron Thompson has been an educator in the division for 25 years. He’s worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent of schools.

Thompson will begin as the new superintendent on Sept. 1.

In February, former division superintendent Darrel Robertson announced his retirement after 30 years with EPSB – the last 12 of them as superintendent.

This sparked a national search to fill the role that ended with Thompson being voted in unanimously.

“Ron is widely known as a calm and caring leader. He consistently approaches challenges with thoughtful consideration, genuine curiosity and deep empathy,” said board chair Julie Kusiek.

“The board is incredibly confident that Ron will continue to uphold and champion the values that define Edmonton Public Schools.”

Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. He also serves on the executive board for the Island Lake Historical and Improvement Society and as a director on the Telus World of Science board.

“As I step into this new role, I’m eager to build on the strong foundation that we already have and continue to support and elevate student achievement across the division,” Thompson said.

“I’m really optimistic about what we can achieve together.”