As both the Wild Rose School Division 24/25 school calendar and Brad Volkman’s 10-year tenure with the division comes to a close, the superintendent has shared some final thoughts.
In a year of challenges, Volkman says there were some bright points. Those include work beginning on the Breton School modernization project.
The school, dubbed Breton Keystone School, will eventually see K-12 students under one roof as soon as the the 2026-2027 school year.
Volkman also touts a new “collaborative response” initiative aiming to help teachers support one another amid growing student needs and complexities in the classrooms.
“It’s tough to be an island. These meetings allow teachers to get together to share best practices and support one another” says Volkman. “You think it might happen naturally, but it’s a very, very busy job, and can sometimes be isolating.”
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As for challenges this year, Volkman reiterates the growing challenges and complexities in classrooms, as well as lack of substitute teachers.
“There’s been many time where school administrators have had to cover class, so that means they aren’t able to focus on their important work,” says Volkman, adding teachers often have to give up their prep break to fill in as a substitute.
Additionally, with ongoing labour negotiations between Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), Volkman says it’s out of the division’s hands; although he’s hopeful for a swift resolution.
“When you have these breaks [from classroom learning], as we saw in COVID, it can be quite damaging,” says Volkman. “I’m trusting they’ll get this thing figured out.”
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Volkman will be succeeded as superintendent by Jodie Mattia, effective Aug. 1.
He adds, the two have had a chance to meet, and put their heads together ahead of the transition.
The two will be conducting a “crash tour” of all 17 school sites this week for a chance to meet teachers and get a lay of the land before she begins the role this fall.
“She’s very, very keen, and will be a great addition to the team at WRSD,” he adds.
Volkman says she, along with a new board to be elected this fall, will continue shaping the division’s character, as well as navigating new initiatives from Alberta Education involving fairness in sports and library materials.
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As for post-retirement plans, Volkman maintains he’s not sure where life will take him after his time with WRSD ends.
“My heart will be with Wild Rose as I move on to different things,” he says. “They’ll be in my mind and my prayers that the school division will continue to thrive, and meet the needs of students and families in our communities.”
Volkman started with the division on Aug. 1, 2015, after 27 years with Prairie Rose School Division in southern Alberta.
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