Chinook’s Edge School Division has selected Mike Garrow to become the new Associate Superintendent of People Services. Garrow comes to the role after a year of serving as Division Principal and, prior to that, as the Principal École H.J. Cody High School in Sylvan Lake for seven years.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike Garrow to the role of Associate Superintendent of People Services,” said Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook’s Edge School Division. “Mike’s proven ability to make complex decisions in a thoughtful, efficient and calm way, his work ethic, and especially his skill working with people make him a great fit for this role. As a part of the hiring process, I spoke with many of the people Mike has worked with closely, and without exception they commented about Mike’s integrity - saying how much they trust and appreciate him as a leader.”

Sacher said the division received and considered applications from inside Chinook’s Edge and from across Alberta, Canada and the United States. The position of Associate Superintendent of People Services became available after long-serving Chinook’s Edge leader, Ray Hoppins, announced his upcoming retirement, following a 32-year career in education. Sacher said although Garrow won’t officially start his role until August 2024, Hoppins and Garrow will begin implementing a detailed transition plan beginning in March 2024, and continuing into the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Hoppins said, “I have enjoyed working closely with Mike over the last year in his role as Division Principal, and prior to that, respected his leadership approach at École H.J. Cody High School. As a Principal, Mike intentionally built strong relationships, and a positive and collaborative culture. He makes decisions that are people centered, and will continue to support the division’s commitment in this critical area.”

“What I’m most excited about is supporting the amazing staff and students in Chinook’s Edge,” said Garrow. “I appreciate the opportunity to learn from Ray to support my transition into such an important role. I respect that the division’s leadership team is one that takes the time to be in schools, and to be purposeful about building teams. I am proud to be a part of a collaborative culture that brings staff together, all focused on the needs of students.”

Garrow has served in educational leadership roles over 14 years in Chinook’s Edge and in Wild Rose School Division. In addition, Garrow has taught in elementary, middle and high school settings in several Alberta schools as well as in England. Garrow has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, and a Chartered Professional Human Resources (CPHR) diploma from Red Deer Polytechnic.

**with information provided by Chinook's Edge School Division