By Troy Gillard

No longer ‘Acting’

Finnigan named permanent superintendent for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Oct 27, 2020 | 10:45 AM

After conducting a nation-wide search over the past four months, the Board of Trustees for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools has decided the right person to be the division’s superintendent is the one they already have.

Kathleen Finnigan, who’s been serving as the division’s Acting Superintendent of Schools since February, has been chosen for to the role permanently.

“A key component of the process involved reaching out to key stakeholders to gather their thoughts and opinions regarding the new superintendent,” said Board Chair Kim Pasula. “The input received from the consultation, that involved engagement with all staff and parents and guardians in the division, as well as key stakeholders from our broader community, was central to the recruitment and selection process.”

Red Deer Catholic says in a release that Finnigan has been instrumental in navigating the division through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the new funding model from Alberta Education.

Finnigan, who grew up in Delburne, has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, a Master of Education from San Diego State University and is currently working on a Doctorate of Education specializing in K-12 education leadership through the University of Calgary. She has over 34 years of experience as a Catholic educator within Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools as a teacher, counsellor, school administrator and senior administrator.

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Over the years, Kathleen has won many notable awards including Women of Excellence for Central Alberta (2016), Canada’s Outstanding Principal (2010), Alberta’s Excellence in Teaching Semi-Finalist (2009), Leadership Award from the Council of School Administrators (2001) and Health and Physical Education Award through the HPEC Council (1989).

“I am blessed to have been appointed Superintendent at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools; a school division known for exemplary staff and school administrators working together to ensure that Christ is known to students while aspiring to excellence,” said Finnigan. “Alongside the Board of Trustees and staff we will continue to foster gospel centred communities of hope through communication, collaboration, and innovation as we lead our school communities together.”

“Kathleen was chosen in a highly competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates. She is a highly impressive talent known for her collaborative leadership style that will serve her and our entire staff well in advancing the mission of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools to make Christ known to children,” said Pasula.

The Board of Trustees will vote on a motion today (Tuesday) to seek Education Minister’s approval for Finnigan’s appointment, as per the province’s Education Act.