Aspen View Public Schools superintendent Mark Francis is resigning after accepting a position with another school division.
In a Aug. 2 press release, the school division announced the resignation, which the board of trustees voted to accept in a special meeting July 30.
“My time at Aspen View has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally,” Francis said in the press release. "My wife Erin and I have called Athabasca and Aspen View home for over 20 years, and we will miss all of our friends and colleagues that have been such a huge part of our lives.”
Francis has served roles as a teacher, director, administrator and superintendent over his time with Aspen View, according to the press release.
Aspen View board of trustees chair Dennis MacNeil said in the release Francis's contributions to the division are impossible to measure.
“In his role as superintendent, he has skillfully guided our division through sometimes challenging circumstances, and has helped to raise the profile of Aspen View within our communities and the province," MacNeil said in the press release. "His dedication to Aspen View has been outstanding; he has been a vocal champion on important issues like rural sustainability and education funding; and he has set the bar high with his expectations for excellence in teaching and administrative accountability."
Neil O'Shea has been appointed as acting superintendent of schools effective Aug. 8 and will remain in the position until a permanent successor is found, according to the press release. Francis will work at Aspen View until Aug. 31 to help with the transition.