Board of Trustees Announces New Chief Superintendent of Schools

Feb. 06, 2024


​​​​​Joanne Pitman, the new chief superintendent of schools

The Board of Trustees is delighted to announce Joanne Pitm​an as the new chief superintendent of schools for the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) effective Mar. 1, 2024.   

“After completing a thorough, nation-wide search, we have chosen an outstanding educational leader who has already made a significant, positive impact on this school district,” said Laura Hack, Chair, Board of Trustees. “Joanne is a champion of public education and will move the CBE forward in a good way.  During these dynamic times of unprecedented enrolment and increasing student complexity, we are confident in her ability to provide exceptional leadership to ensure the best outcomes for students and staff.” 

Currently, Joanne is a superintendent of School Improvement with the CBE, a role she has held since July 2019. Joanne started her career in 2000 and has experience as a teacher, principal, and has held various senior leadership roles in multiple school districts across Alberta. Her career has focused on building and leading exceptional teams that are results focused. Joanne holds a Master of Education (Educational Leadership) from the University of Lethbridge. 

Over the past 4½ years with the CBE, Joanne has been responsible for supporting the improvement of student achievement, equity and well-being, while co-leading day-to-day learning and operations in schools. She has led the creation of foundational educational frameworks, guided schools throughout the pandemic, and continued to expand system-wide use of data to make quality decisions. Joanne has also demonstrated commitment to building strong relationships on behalf of the CBE within the city and across the province. 

“Leading one of the largest school boards in Canada is an incredible honour and opportunity, said Joanne Pitman. “The CBE is a remarkable organization full of passionate individuals working together every day to do what is best for students. I am looking forward to advancing the Board of Trustees’ priorities of academic achievement, equity and well-being and working alongside the CBE community to help our students and staff succeed.” 

The Board of Trustees will work closely with Administration to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of its new chief superintendent.   

The Board of Trustees would also like to express its gratitude to Acting Chief Superintendent Gary Strother who stepped in to provide a steady hand to the CBE while recruitment efforts were underway. Gary’s last day will be Feb. 29.​