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COMING FROM WETASKIWIN

New superintendent named for Wild Rose Public Schools

Feb 25, 2025 | 4:17 PM

Wild Rose School Division has named a new superintendent.

Jodie Mattia will take over the role, effective Aug. 1, from the outgoing Brad Volkman, who announced his retirement last September.

Mattia has been an educator for 30 years, including as Director of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being & Sense of Belonging, Director of Learning Services, and District Principal at Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.

“I am looking forward to building strong relationships with staff, families and the community while continuing to champion excellence in public education,” Mattia says in a news release.

“I am excited to bring my collaborative, strength-based and relationally-focused system leadership skills to WRSD.”

The board of trustees notes it chose Mattia from an exceptional field of candidates.

Mattia is a PhD candidate in educational policy and leadership at the University of Alberta, and has taken to leading initiatives related to mental health, crisis response, inclusive programming, and Indigenous education.

As for Volkman, he and the division shared their thoughts on his retirement earlier in the school year.

READ MORE: Outgoing WRSD superintendent Brad Volkman reflects on legacy, outlines likely challenges for successor

Volkman has been superintendent for 10 years, with a combined 37 years as an educator.

WRSD has schools in Drayton Valley, Breton, Rocky Mountain House, Caroline, Condor, and Leslieville.