Red Deer Public School Division’s board of trustees announced the appointment of Chad Erickson as Superintendent of Schools on January 13th, 2020. 

Erickson has been a teacher and administrator for 23 years and joined RDPSD in 2005 as Vice Principal at Oriole Park School. Four years later, he became the Principal of the Alternative School Centre and more recently, has been placed in the role of Associate Superintendent for Student Services. 

After years of working in education, Erickson says his love for teaching was inspired by the most impactful teachers he came across when he was in school. 

 “Throughout the years that I was going through schools, it was always those teachers that built strong connections and relationships and I really saw that I could make an impact with others if I also went into the education field,” said Erickson. 

Until August 5th, 2020 Erickson will remain in his current position as Associate Superintendent which he believes gives him a bit of time to learn the ropes from the current Superintendent, Stu Henry. 

“Having this announcement so early in the school year, there’s a lot of time that I can work with Stu here and the board of trustees to ensure that we have a seamless transition. It’s going to be important for us to work collaboratively with all of the students, staff, families and the community in Red Deer to help us through some of those uncertain times,” explained Erickson.

Stu Henry will be retiring after 33 years in education as Deputy Superintendent and as the principal of Eastview Middle School with RDPSD. When Erickson noted that Henry would be retiring, he didn’t hesitate to apply for the position but heading forward, he says it will not be an easy task to take on Henry’s role. 

 “Stu has been a phenomenal leader for us when he was deputy, and for the last four years as he’s been superintendent. He’s been exceptional leader and he is going to leave some very big shoes to fill,” added Erickson. 

The future superintendent believes the most challenging part of his new position will be managing the fiscal landscape for Red Deer Public Schools. He hopes to collaborate and work towards stability. For Erickson, the new position will give him the opportunity to align his resources for a positive outcome.  

 “It was about just having the opportunity to work collaboratively with my team and the students, staff, families, everybody in the community to build a short- and long-term vision for Red Deer Public. We’re going into some challenging times ahead and it’s going to be important that we work collaboratively so we best meet the needs of students, staff, and families,” explained Erickson. 

Overall, Erickson hopes to put his connections and leadership skills to good use in order to benefit the community and Red Deer Public School Division.