School District 48 is saying goodbye to Superintendent Dr. Rick Erickson, and Dr. Erickson is saying goodbye to a great career in education.
As of July 31, Erickson will no longer be part of District 48 (Sea to Sky) as he retires from a successful 41 years in the field.
Erickson started his career as an elementary teacher September 1969 in New Westminster. He then worked as a teacher and assistant principal there until his career brought him to Trail. He worked there for 12 years as an elementary school principal, secondary school principal and assistant superintendant.
He then moved to Maple Ridge, where he was appointed director of human resources and deputy superintendent, before coming here in January 2004 to work as superintendent.
With a Bachelor of Education from UBC, a Masters from Western Washington University, and a PhD from Gonzaga University in Spokane, it's no wonder he's been so successful in education throughout B.C.
However, when Erickson officially retires later this month, he said he likely won't be remembered for his personal accomplishments in education, but rather what he helped B.C. education accomplish.
"I wanted to make a difference either directly or indirectly for student learning for the next generation and as a teacher, you can do that directly in the classroom, and as a principal and superintendent you can do that by working with education partners and by hiring good teachers and good principals to lead the learning initiative," Erickson said.
Since becoming District 48 superintendent, Erickson and his colleagues have been getting good results after a recent initiative was put in place to help improve student education in the area.
"We started a program, Assessment of Learning, a couple of years ago. Our teachers have been working on reflecting on their practices and making adjustments, and that particular initiative is growing in support and has an impact on student learning.
"That's why our early learning activities and elementary work is improving, and our aboriginal results are also improving, too. So what we want to do is have 100 per cent of the kids graduating in six years. That's our objective," Erickson said.
"The learning situation is strong and getting stronger, we're recognized in a number of areas of our work in student learning and teaching professional development," he said.
To anyone hoping to follow up on his work here, or hoping to follow in his footsteps, Erickson had a few tips to offer.
"They would be taking over a strong relationship between our education partners and improving student learning situation. All the activities of student learning, recreation, and the balance - the community is a great place to be. I also encourage them to listen closely to all of our partners. They have very valuable advice," he said.
He won't soon forget his 7 1/2 years working as superintendent here. According to Erickson, the working environment here is unique and rewarding.
"I found the profession, teachers, principals, vice-principals, our partners, the board and our community very positive and always looking out for student safety and improving student learning. There was nothing that I would say was anything other than positive. Not all people can say that," said Erickson.
It may take a while for Erickson to get acquainted to the retired life, as it's something he's not even yet sure of, but that didn't keep him from taking one of the first steps.
"After 41 years in public education, I've had a fellow cutting my grass, so I stopped that, but that's the only part I know because I haven't turned the page yet. For some people it's all kind of written down, but it's a new adventure for me and I certainly look forward to the time and energy to pursue education or other interests.
"I have no regrets and nothing but a positive participation in the profession from here, Maple Ridge, Trail, and New Westminster," Erickson said. "It's been a pleasure to be here, I've enjoyed the time and I wish everybody well."
