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Superintendent search begins as Allen prepares to leave SD79 after four years

He’s brought change and a world-view to delivering education in the Cowichan Valley, colleagues say
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Rod Allen is retiring after four years as schools superintendent and CEO of the Cowichan Valley School District. (Citizen file)

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

Allen’s four years as superintendent have seen a considerable transformation in the district and the communities served by Cowichan schools. Charged with overseeing the education of what now numbers more than 8,000 students, with a staff of more than 1,400 employees, Allen has ushered in significant change in the time he has spent at the helm, according to his colleagues at the school board.

“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 special release issued last week states.

“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, Mr. Allen’s expertise was sought out to help create the OECD’s Learning 2030 framework, a global learning vision that will identify what education systems need to look like now, so learners can be successful in the future,” Board of Education Chair Candace Spilsbury said.

“With a focus on equity, Mr. Allen has shown tremendous courage in empowering staff and students. By flattening any bureaucracy, he has continually re-focused work on what is best for students. This priority is evident in our learners every day, and has 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.”

The board of education will soon begin the search for next Superintendent of the Cowichan Valley School District.