School District 73 Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon has announced her resignation, effective Friday, July 4. A statement from the district says that Nixon will be returning to Alberta for family reasons.
It ends a four-year tenure marked by financial difficulties, leadership instability, and community concerns. Dr. Nixon began her role as superintendent in July 2021, coming from Alberta where she served as deputy superintendent.
Financial Difficulties
The district uncovered a $2.2 million accounting error just before the 2024–25 school year, triggering significant budget shortfalls.
To balance the books, Nixon oversaw cuts of over 70 full-time equivalent positions—including teachers and support staff—amid rising costs and flat provincial funding. The district also faced a 2025 grievance from support staff alleging a “toxic work environment” under senior leadership.
Parent Advisory Council: Not Surprised
In an interview with Radio NL, District Parent Advisory Council chair Bonnie McBride shared her views on Nixon’s departure and the district’s struggles. “I’m not particularly surprised. It’s been a really challenging year in our district and across education in general,” McBride said.
McBride suggested the accounting error was likely a symptom of deeper issues, noting the district’s long-standing difficulties with leadership turnover and stability.
“We’ve been struggling to create stability so we could see good program growth here,” she explained. “We continue to struggle with graduation rates, vulnerable learners, and our relationships with education partners.”
Looking Ahead: Calls for a Thoughtful Leadership Search
With the district entering the fifth year of its current strategic plan, McBride emphasized the importance of a careful and consultative search for a new superintendent. “We would be extremely vocal and opposed to rushing this process,” she said.
“We have had three short-term superintendents in recent years. The board needs to hire someone who is a good fit and prepared to rebuild programs that have been decimated.”
McBride urged the board to prioritize the needs of vulnerable students and ensure meaningful consultation with education partners during the search.
Board Response and Next Steps
School District 73 Board Chair Heather Grieve confirmed the board will appoint an interim superintendent while conducting a thorough search for a permanent replacement. The board reiterated its commitment to learning from recent challenges and maintaining focus on student success and fiscal responsibility.
