Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) will be looking for a new superintendent of schools to take over the reigns starting with the next school year.
The board announced on Tuesday that Simone Gessler has resigned as the top administrative person at the board office and will be moving to Saskatoon to become the superintendent of education-learning services with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. According to the release, Gessler won’t be starting until the fall of 2024, which would indicate that she will be finishing this current school year with YCS.
“This new chapter in Saskatoon creates opportunities for further growth and to be with extended family,” stated the letter. “While we are saddened to hear she is leaving, we are also excited for her to embark on this new chapter in her career and personal life.”
Gessler has worked with YCS for 27 years. Her administrative work began as vice-principal of both Weledeh Catholic School and St. Joe’s between 2002 and 2009 before moving to Weledeh and becoming principal in 2010. She spent five years there before joining the board office as the associate assistant superintendent of learning in 2015, assuming the role full-time in 2017. She became the superintendent of schools in 2019.
Simone is a visionary leader, a collaborative partner, and a passionate advocate for Catholic education, wellbeing and Indigenizing education,” the release continued. “Her commitment to our students, staff, and families will leave a lasting impact on our school community.”
The board will begin looking for a new superintendent over the next few weeks.