(Chinook's Edge School Division)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Starts June 2

Incoming superintendent Ryan Sawula meets Chinook’s Edge administrators

Mar 18, 2025 | 3:47 PM

Chinook’s Edge School Division introduced incoming superintendent, Ryan Sawula, to school and division administrators during their regular meeting last week.

On March 12, he delivered a speech as well as familiarized himself with staff as he’s set to take over the role June 2.

“I’ve always been impressed with the culture in Chinook’s Edge,” Sawula said to the group. “I wanted to be a part of that. I appreciate the focus on putting students first, and I am grateful to be joining a strong school division.”

Sawula’s first order of business is getting to know people and establishing relationships. For now, he doesn’t plan on making any big changes.

“I want to listen first. I plan to take a collaborative approach, and work together to form any future plans. We will decide together where Chinook’s Edge goes, and use feedback loops to make sure we get it right. Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to connecting with you soon.”

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Most recently, Sawula served as deputy superintendent at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, where he led numerous activities focused on curriculum development, leadership, mentorship, Indigenous learning, and career pathways.

Current superintendent Kurt Sacher will retire May 30. Sacher’s been impressed by Sawula and believes the organization will continue to do great things under new leadership.

Board Chair Holly Bilton explained there had only ever been one superintendent transition in the division’s 27-year history.

“One reason for that is because Kurt has been such a great leader,” she said. “We are so pleased to have Ryan join Chinook’s Edge and look forward to the amazing things he will accomplish with the strong team already in place.”

Meantime, Chris Adamson has been named the division’s associate superintendent, and will start in August.

“Chris is highly regarded in his current and previous roles, as a skilled educator and leader who has developed high levels of trust with students, parents, and staff as well as school and division administrators,” says Sacher.

“We appreciate Chris’s deep commitment to instructional leadership, professional learning, and system wide improvement.”

Adamson is currently principal at Innisfail High School, and has a long career as an educator, including in Fort Vermilion.

“I applied for this position because I am passionate about learning and leadership,” says Adamson. “I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the division leadership and learning services team, as well as schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. I look forward to celebrating their successes and supporting them as we move learning forward.”

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