Aspen View School Division has hired a new associate superintendent, with Karen Penney set to take over the position effective Jan. 7, 2019.
Penney will succeed Neil O'Shea, who was officially appointed as superintendent in October after serving as interim superintendent since August.
In a press release, Penney said that she had worked extensively to ensure delivery of quality programming to help all students achieve academic success.
"My philosophy of 'learning for all in an inclusive education system' is the moral imperative that drives and influences my work," she said in the release. "I am a people-focused leader who thrives in an innovative and collaborative environment, and I welcome the opportunity to work closely with like-minded people who are focused on serving the needs of the students, staff, parents and communities of Aspen View School Division."
Penney has been deputy superintendent with Peace River School Division since 2009, and had worked as pedagogical supervisor with Northland School Division for 20 years before that.
“Karen brings extensive knowledge and experience in areas very important to Aspen View, including instructional leadership, program delivery, literacy and numeracy,” O’Shea said in the release. “I am excited to have Karen join our administrative team and look forward to her contributions toward the continued success of our students, schools and division.”
Recruitment
Staff recruitment was one topic of discussion at the latest Aspen View Public Schools board meeting held Dec. 6 at H.A. Kostash School in Smoky Lake.
Communications officer Ross Hunter said O'Shea provided an update on division-based positions that are vacant.
"The board added they will also be scheduling meetings and discussions with our municipal partners in the new year," Ross said. "As part of those discussions, Aspen View hopes to start a dialogue around how we can work together towards improving the recruitment and retention of professionals in rural Alberta, including in the areas of education and health care."
Coalition for Success accepts award
The Coalition for Success (C4S) has won an award of excellence through the Family Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSA).
In his report, O'Shea said C4S is a collaboration between Aspen View Public Schools, Athabasca County, Athabasca FCSS, Aspen Collaborative Services, Alberta Human Services and Whispering Hills Daycare.
"The C4S was awarded for a supper program that supports children with complex needs in the Athabasca area," O'Shea said in his report.
Student services director Shannon Smith attended the banquet with other C4S representatives Nov. 29 to recieve the award.
"Aspen View is very proud of this successful community collaboration and our role in it," Hunter said.
