Last week, the Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Ryan Sawula as the new Superintendent of Schools, effective June 2, 2025.
"Sawula brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success, instructional leadership, and community engagement. With over 20 years in education, including leadership roles at the school and division levels, he has demonstrated a strong vision for fostering innovation, supporting educators, and enhancing student achievement," stated (CESD).
At Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, where he most recently served as Deputy Superintendent, Sawula has spearheaded several projects centred on career pathways, curriculum development, leadership, mentoring, Indigenous learning, and community involvement.
According to CESD, his capacity to manage cooperative and productive teams, promote strategic planning, and advocate for children's achievement has long impacted kids, faculty, and the larger community.
"Dr. Sawula is a respected K-12 leader who shares our division’s values of student-centered learning, innovation, and academic excellence," says Holly Bilton, CESD Board Chair. "His track record of building strong relationships and ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education aligns perfectly with our mission at Chinook’s Edge."
Sawula graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, a Master of Educational Studies, and a Doctorate in Educational Studies from the University of Calgary.
Throughout his career, he has advocated for professional development, inclusive education, and strategic alliances, always keeping students at the centre of the decision-making process. To carry on the Chinook's Edge tradition of academic success, he is excited to start collaborating with students, faculty, families, and community partners, including CESD.
“I am incredibly excited to join Chinook's Edge School Division as Superintendent,” says Sawula. “I look forward to working alongside dedicated staff, students, and families to prioritize personal success for every student. Chinook’s Edge has a rich tradition of commitment to students, being focused on their academic, emotional, and social success. This focus on fostering the growth of the whole child resonates deeply with me.”
The school division also wanted to express its sincere gratitude to Kurt Sacher for his years of steadfast dedication to the division's communities, employees, and students.
The school division has 12 schools in neighbouring communities, including Olds, Mountain View County, Didsbury, Crossfield and Carstairs. Chinook's Edge has a total of 11,000 students across 40 Central Alberta schools.
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