The Cowichan Valley School District has announced Superintendent Robyn Gray will be returning to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, where she worked for 25 years, to become the Superintendent of District 68 on November 18, 2024.
Gray joined SD79 as Superintendent five years ago, working closely with the board to develop the Beyond Education Strategic Plan 2020-2024, and on the new Qwu’utsun Secondary School, which will open in early 2025.
School Board Chair Cathy Schmidt says Gray’s leadership will have a lasting impact on the district.
Schmidt says they will miss her dedication to improving student learning outcomes and ability to drive initiatives that benefit all learners.
Gray says it has been an honour to work in the Cowichan Valley and is excited to continue her journey in Nanaimo-Ladysmith.
Greg Keller, Board Chair, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, says her knowledge of the community and experience, combined with “half a decade of exceptional leadership in a superintendent role” will directly benefit students and staff at schools in the district.
Keller says they are looking forward in her leadership in creating an inclusive and equitable learning community where every individual thrives.
Gray believes her previous experience in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith district allows her to support the work and initiatives already underway, while working as superintendent in Cowichan gives her fresh perspectives and ways of knowing that will support the district’s goals.
SD79 says one of Gray’s most significant accomplishments was the development and implementation of the Beyond Education Strategic Plan, which emphasized the key goals of student learning, Indigenous ways of knowing, a culture of care, and future-focused systems.
During her previous career at Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools, Gray was a vice-principal, principal, district principal- Aboriginal Education, director of instruction and assistant superintendent.
She holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Victoria, a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Indigenous and Inclusive Education from Nipissing University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Laurentian University.
