After nearly four decades as an educator, Rocky View School’s superintendent is turning in his chalk for more family time and a good book.
Don Hoium, who will be retiring at the end of the 2015/2016 school year, said he has fond memories of the school division.
“I will certainly miss the staff – they are so welcoming and such strong educators and support staff. I will miss the board who has given me good council and support and brought the public perspective to our division,” Hoium said.
After almost four decades in two provinces and six different education positions, Hoium has helped students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 with leadership roles at the district, provincial, national and international level. After working in urban and rural areas for the past 37 years, Hoium said the RVS students were “exceptional” and will be missed.
“We have an incredible committed community and we have the best kids around – we really do have good students in this division,” Hoium said.
The past couple years have been working toward developing a good framework for the next superintendant, after putting forward a consolidated four-year education plan focusing on student success, engagement and support, the literacy/numeracy framework among other initiatives.
“It is fitting for me to turn it over to another superintendent, with a good foundation of all the work that preceded me and that I’ve had the chance to work on for the past few years. I will miss the closeness of our division,” Hoium said.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Don for his unwavering commitment and outstanding leadership of Rocky View Schools,” said Board Chair Colleen Munro in a press release from RVS.
So what is next for the superintendent?
Hoium said he plans to spend more time with family, including his “adorable” 4-year-old granddaughter, read more and start travelling again.
“I am looking forward to spending more time with my granddaughter, she is just a joy to be with,” Hoium beamed.
“I would like to do more exploring in Canada, maybe get back to Europe ... I also love to read, I haven’t been able to read as much as I would have liked to in the last 37 years, so I am looking forward to getting back to that.”
Hoium chuckled as he reflected on his years in education and said, “it is a bit odd to talk about yourself” but sounded excited as he talks about the future.
“As sad as it will be to see him leave our jurisdiction, we are delighted for him in his decision to spend more time with family, to travel, and to enjoy the delights of a growing granddaughter,” Munro said.
