New superintendent Peter Barron brings almost 30 years of education experience to his new position at the Clearview school division, starting at the end of July.
“The best part (of education) is having the ability to positively influence students and to increase their life chances, to provide a hopeful, positive experience for them to develop their potential,” Barron said.
He has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and has worked in school administration.
He has a bachelor’s degree in English and French from the University of Alberta, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership, also from the University of Alberta.
“When I saw the ad… I thought ‘you know what, this is an exciting opportunity.’ I’m enjoying my work at central office, and I thought the opportunity to be a superintendent of a school division is one that excites me,” Barron said. “It pushes me out of my comfort zone, and it’s an important thing to model that as a lifelong learner, to push oneself to bigger aspirations. I grew up in the Red Deer area, so it’s a little bit like coming home in some ways.”
After he applied, he talked to Leroy Sloan, the consultant the school board had been using to find a new superintendent.
Following that, he came to Stettler for an interview with Sloan and the school board.
“As the Board of Trustees interviewed Mr. Barron we were really excited to find a candidate who will continue to take Clearview’s students on the path of success,” said board chair Ken Checkel in a news release.
“Parents, students, educators and staff will appreciate Mr. Barron’s focus on 21st century learning, and his ability to positively impact success for all students.”
Barron said that since the educational system in Alberta is in the midst of change, he is interested to see new initiatives be implemented in the division, and is especially interested to see how the division is using technology in schools.
In his new job, he is most looking forward to meeting administration and school staff.
“I’m a people person, so I think what I’m looking forward to is meeting people and seeing where the district is at and seeing how I can help to move it forward,” he said.
After the news release of his new position, he received an email welcoming him to the division from a former student, who now has children going to Erskine School.
He’ll be spending some time in the new few weeks in the central office in Stettler to get acquainted with staff and to spend time with former superintendent John Bailey as the transition occurs, and officially starts in his new role on Jul y 26.