Calgary Catholic School District chief superintendent announces resignation

Bryan Szumlas, the chief superintendent of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), announced his resignation this week, citing personal reasons as the cause for his departure from the role.

Szumlas has been with the CCSD for over 30 years, serving as chief superintendent for four of those.

"Yesterday [March 27], at the special Board meeting, I announced my resignation as the chief superintendent of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), effective May 9, 2024," reads an online statement from Szumlas.

"Leading the largest Catholic school district in the province has been an honour and a privilege," the post addressed to parents and guardians reads.

"I especially want to thank the Board of Trustees, Bishop McGrattan, the Shepherd leadership team, all staff and my friends and family for their love and support."

In an email letter sent to parents from the Office of the Board of Trustees, chair Shannon Cook said the board received and accepted Szumlas's letter of resignation.

"The Board of Trustees would like to express our deepest appreciation for Dr. Szumlas' contributions to our district over the past 34 years as an educator and leader," reads the letter.

The email also highlighted some of Szumlas's contributions to the CCSD during his tenure as chief superintendent, such as navigating online classes during the pandemic and the organization's hiring of its first-ever medical doctor for what it called "advancing wellness initiatives."

No further details were provided regarding his resignation.

As for who will replace Szumlas, Cook's letter said an update would be provided in the coming weeks about who would be appointed as interim chief superintendent.

In an email sent to CBC News, the CCSD responded to a request for comment with the same letter from the board.

CBC News also contacted Szumlas for comment but have not heard back as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

Szumlas was announced as the CCSD's chief superintendent in March 2020, replacing predecessor Gary Strother who occupied the role for eight years and was also with the school district for over three decades. 

One of Alberta's largest school districts, the CCSD's website says it serves roughly 63,000 students in 118 schools in Calgary and its surrounding area from Grades 1 to 12, for both online and in-person learning.