The superintendent of School District 43 (SD43) has announced her retirement — two weeks before the start of the new academic year.
Today, Aug. 21, Patricia Gartland said she’ll be leaving her top position with the third largest school district in B.C. in December 2024, after a decade in the leadership role.
Gartland’s departure comes after 44 years in the district, starting as a French Immersion teacher then teacher–librarian before taking on administrative posts.
She also served as assistant superintendent for international and continuing education before replacing Tom Grant as SD43 superintendent in 2014.
“Throughout her remarkable career, she has made a lasting impact in her many roles, profoundly shaping the lives of our students, staff and the entire community,” said Port Coquitlam Trustee Michael Thomas, chairperson of the SD43 board of education, in a news release.
“Patricia’s dedication and visionary leadership have guided the board of eduction through countless challenges and achievements.”
Among her successes are:
- founding the International Education Program
- rebuilding or opening seven elementary schools, four middle schools and three secondary schools
- championing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education
- navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in schools
An advertisement to replace Gartland will be posted shortly, said SD43 spokesperson Ken Hoff.
Gartland's exit comes after five SD43 principals and a vice principal retired in June (in alphabetical order):
- Jon Bruneau
- Riverside Secondary, Port Coquitlam
- John Goheen
- Aspenwood Elementary, Port Moody
- Heather Murphy
- Dr. Charles Best Secondary, Coquitlam
- Stacey Parmar
- Westwood Elementary, Coquitlam
- Darren Stewart
- Pitt River Middle, Port Coquitlam
- Brent Taylor
- Port Moody Secondary (vice principal)
