New boss hired for school division

The Northern Lights School Division Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mr. Rick Cusson has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer for Northern Lights School Division No. 69 effective January 1, 2015.

“We welcome Mr. Cusson to the Northern Lights team and look forward to working with him to continue our pursuit of providing high-quality education for all our students. We were pleased that our Canada-wide advertising resulted in excellent applications from six provinces and one territory," said NLSD board chairperson Arlene Hrynyk. "Mr. Cusson was selected from a field of outstanding candidates. We believe that Rick’ s experience, his focus on students, his personable nature, and his ability to truly work collaboratively are an excellent fit for building on the current strengths of Northern Lights School Division.”

Cusson has maintained an exemplary record over a 21-year period as an educator in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He has excelled as a teacher, a principal, and an Assistant Superintendent. After spending an initial three years as a teacher, he spent nine years as a principal, and for the past nine years, he has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations for the Fort Vermilion School Division. He comes to Northern Lights with a breadth of teaching and administrative experience in rural settings.

Cusson has a strong practical and theoretical background in educational leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education degree in Administration from the University of Saskatchewan.

“I have found much enjoyment and personal satisfaction in utilizing a collaborative leadership style in working with students, staff, parents and community members to help provide students with the best possible education while maintaining a focus on student success," said Cusson. "I believe in teamwork and shared decision-making within a climate of trust. I commit to being an ambassador for the Division and an advocate for our students and staff. I look forward, with tremendous pride and anticipation, to serving as Superintendent of Schools for a Division that is caring, innovative and student centered.”

Cusson has been married to his wife Chan for 17 years. She has been a principal is the Fort Vermilion School Division. The couple has two active children, son Matthew aged 16 and daughter Alex aged 15. Rick is an avid golfer and enjoys personal fitness, fishing, hunting, sports and traveling with his family.