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Coquitlam School District Superintendent Patricia Gartland announces retirement 

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Education
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August 21, 2024
Superintendent Patricia Gartland speaking to media in front of the destroyed Hazel Trembath Elementary School on Oct. 26, 2023. Patrick Penner photo.

Patricia Gartland, Coquitlam School District’s (SD43) longtime superintendent, is stepping down.

The school district made the sudden announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 21, stating that Gartland will vacate the position by December of this year, ending her 10-year run in SD43’s top role.

Gartland was praised for “her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and transformative impact,” in SD43’s news release.

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Michael Thomas, chair of SD43’s board of education, said that Gartland’s presence on the board will be deeply missed.

“Patricia’s dedication and visionary leadership have guided the Board of Education through countless challenges and achievements,” Thomas said. “She has made a lasting impact in her many roles, profoundly shaping the lives of our students, staff, and the entire community.” 

Throughout her 44-year employment with SD43, Gartland held a multitude of positions before she advanced to superintendent. Starting out as a French immersion teacher, she eventually went on to take jobs as a teacher-librarian, program coordinator, school administrator, school principal, director of instruction and assistant superintendent.

Gartland founded SD43’s international education program in 1999, attracting students from 32 countries and described as the “most successful in B.C.” 

Through international student fees, Gartland was able to wipe out a $23 million deficit within three years as superintendent, according to SD43. Her strategic vision has generated over $500 million for the school district.

In addition, seven elementary schools have been rebuilt, expanded or newly opened; four middle schools have been replaced, rebuilt or expanded; and three high schools have been rebuilt, expanded or approved for construction, the district said.

Other milestones listed include advancing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education and long-term investments into technological infrastructure; modernizing professional development of SD43 staff; and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic

“Her legacy will resonate for generations to come,” the press release said. ​

Author
Patrick Penner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Having spent the first 20 years of his life in Port Moody, Patrick Penner has finally returned as a hometown reporter.

His youth was spent wiping out on snowboards, getting hit in the face with hockey pucks, and frolicking on boats in the Port Moody Arm.

After graduating Heritage Woods Secondary School, Penner wandered around aimlessly for a year before being given an ultimatum by loving, but concerned, parents: “rent or college.” 

With that, he was off to the University of Victoria to wander slightly less aimlessly from book, to classroom, to beer, and back.

Penner achieved his undergraduate degree in 2017, majoring in political science and minoring in history.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, translating this newfound education into career opportunities proved somewhat challenging.

After working for a short time as a lowly grunt in various labour jobs, Penner’s fruitless drifting came to an end.

He decided it was time to hit the books again. This time, with focus.

Nine months later, Penner had received a certificate of journalism from Langara College and was awarded the Jeani Read-Michael Mercer Fellowship upon graduation.

When that scholarship led to a front page story in the Vancouver Sun, he knew he had found his calling.

Penner moved to Abbotsford to spend the next three years learning from grizzled reporters and editors at Black Press Media.

Assigned to the Mission Record as the city’s sole reporter, he developed a taste for investigative and civic reporting, eventually being nominated for the 2023 John Collison Investigative Journalism Award.

Unfortunately, dwindling resources and cutbacks in the community media sphere convinced Penner to seek out alternative ways to deliver the news. 

When a position opened up at the Tri-Cities Dispatch, he knew it was time to jump ship and sail back home to beautiful Port Moody.

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