At their regular meeting on December 13, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Cindi Vaselenak as the Acting Superintendent of Schools/CEO of the Black Gold School Division.

Dr. Vaselenak will take on the role starting January 1, 2024, until May 31 or until such time as Mr. Michael Borgfjord is able to begin his term as the new Superintendent of Schools/CEO. Dr. Vaselenak is taking over from current superintendent Bill Romanchuk, who is retiring on December 31, 2023, after 22 years of service to Black Gold.

“The Board has contracted Dr. Vaselenak for a couple of projects since the beginning of 2023,” said Board Chair Esther Eckert. “ We have an excellent working relationship established with her, and she is already familiar with Black Gold through her work with us. We know she shares our vision and commitment, and will ensure that the Division continues to thrive under her leadership.”

Dr. Vaselenak has worked for over 35 years as an educator in the roles of teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent in Alberta. In 2019 she was named the Alberta Superintendent of the Year, receiving the provincial EXL Award for Excellence in School System Leadership. She currently consults for the Alberta School Boards Association, and serves as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Vaselenak has a solid background of research and practice in educational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree in secondary sciences, a Master of Science degree with a specialization in administration and instruction, and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership.

“I am honoured to support the Black Gold School Division in a new capacity as Acting Superintendent,” said Dr. Vaselenak. “As a former chief superintendent in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, I am familiar with the roles and responsibilities required to support a Board through a transition in senior leadership. Black Gold has an excellent reputation in providing quality education to their school communities, and the current initiatives led by the Board and retiring Superintendent Romanchuk will continue.”