News Release: Superintendent Announces Retirement

 

Rod Allen, the Superintendent and CEO of the Cowichan Valley School District, has announced his retirement as of spring break 2019.

 

ROD ALLEN, SUPERINTENDENT AND CEO OF COWICHAN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

COWICHAN VALLEY, BC – Rod Allen, the Superintendent and CEO of the Cowichan Valley School District, has announced his retirement as of spring break 2019.

Mr. Allen’s four years as Superintendent have seen a remarkable transformation in the Cowichan Valley School District and the communities served by our schools. Charged with overseeing the education of what now numbers over 8000 learners and over 1,400employees, Mr. Allen has ushered in significant change in the time he has spent at the helm.

His transformative world-view has helped forge strong relationships, built on trust, with our First Nations communities. The ever-challenging work he has undertaken has created equity in the workplace and the communities we serve. Mr. Allen models the work that needs to be done with reconciliation through our schools. He continually challenges the district, staff, students, parents, and larger community to live the process of reconciliation.

A well-respected educational leader and recognized expert in educational transformation, Mr. Allen has brought his considerable experience to the district, empowering students and staff alike. Mr. Allen has represented the Cowichan Valley School District, and its unique and innovative work locally, nationally, and internationally. A member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mr. Allen’s expertise was sought out to help create the OECD’s Learning 2030 framework, which is a global learning vision that will identify what education systems need to look like now, so kids can be successful in the future.

With a focus always on equity, Mr. Allen has shown tremendous courage in the way in which he has empowered staff and students. By flattening any bureaucracy, he has continually re-focused work on what is best for students. This focus shows through in our learners every day. This focus has also strengthened relationships with teachers and support staff, allowing all parties in the district to be aligned in their quest for equality.

“The Board of Education would like to sincerely thank Mr. Allen for his years of service to our district, and to the larger educational community. His exceptional ability to lead transformational change has guided significant improvements in our delivery of educational excellence to the learners in our district,” said Candace Spilsbury, Chair of the Board of Education for the Cowichan Valley School District. “Our district, our learners, our educators, and the educational system in British Columbia as a whole, are grateful for the years of devoted service from Mr. Allen.”

The Board of Education will soon begin the search for next Superintendent of the Cowichan Valley School District.

PDF of News Release:  Rod Allen Retirement Announcement