Canadian Rockies Public Schools Welcomes a New Boss

Canadian Rockies Public Schools has a new top leader.

Debbie McKibbin stepped into the role of superintendent in January after more than 31 years with the Bow Valley school division. She now takes over at a time when families are looking for stability following last fall’s provincewide teachers’ strike.

Her focus, she says, is clear: keep student well-being front and centre while maintaining strong academic performance in reading, writing, and math.

A Familiar Face Takes the Helm

McKibbin is not new to CRPS. She has been involved in the division’s “Inspiring Hearts and Minds” vision since it launched in 2007 and helped shape its instructional framework.

The initiative began as a broad community conversation about the future of public education in the Bow Valley. Instead of focusing only on short-term pressures such as enrolment or budgets, the division asked what skills today’s children would need to succeed in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.

The result was a commitment to what CRPS calls a “whole child” approach. In addition to academic achievement, the model emphasizes students’ physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual development. The idea is that literacy and numeracy matter, but students also need to feel safe, valued and engaged in order to thrive.

McKibbin has been closely involved in that framework for nearly two decades.

She holds a Master of Education and is currently working toward a Doctorate in Education at the University of Calgary. Her background also includes training in labour relations and human resources.

In a statement, McKibbin noted that her own children attended CRPS schools and said she plans to continue advocating for students, staff and the communities the division serves.

One of her stated goals this year is to strengthen relationships with students, staff, school councils, parents and community partners through trust and communication.

Wellness Built Into the School Day

McKibbin says student well-being is not treated as a separate initiative, but something integrated into classroom routines, school culture, and teaching practices.

Division data points to measurable trends. According to CRPS’ most recent Annual Education Results Report, the percentage of Grades 7 to 12 students reporting depression has decreased by 5% over the current four-year plan, while positive self-esteem has increased by 5%. Most students report feeling safe at school and say they have a strong sense of belonging.

At the same time, anxiety and depression remain present for some students, particularly at the secondary level. The division says it continues to monitor those patterns and adjust supports where needed.

CRPS employs a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist and divisional psychologist to support students and teachers across schools. McKibbin said having those professionals within the division allows for earlier intervention and support that can be integrated directly into classrooms.

Nature and Academics Together

Outdoor and experiential learning remain central to the division’s identity.

This year’s theme, “Embrace this Place,” encourages learning beyond classroom walls. One recent example involved Grade 8 students studying biology and health through a rainbow trout dissection, comparing fish and human anatomy as part of their Cells and Systems unit.

McKibbin said experiential learning helps connect literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development in practical ways.

A $1.1 Million Donation

CRPS has also received a $1.1 million donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation for the 2025 to 2026 school year. That amount represents nearly a 10% increase from last year.

The funding supports athletics, outdoor pursuits, experiential learning, student wellness and wrap-around supports, along with academic programming. The division says the donation also helps reduce financial barriers for families.

Foundation funding supports outdoor programs such as skating, skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, along with staffing supports tied to student wellness and learning services.

Student and Staff Wellness Events

CRPS recently held its first Student Wellness Symposium, bringing together student representatives from across the division to review wellness data and develop action plans for their schools.

A Staff Wellness Symposium is scheduled for the afternoon of March 6 and will include a keynote speaker and breakout sessions focused on connection and well-being. March 6 is listed as a half day on the division’s public calendar, with no students in the afternoon.

Looking Ahead

McKibbin said CRPS will continue to follow its four-year education plan, which prioritizes readiness to learn, academic success and future-focused skills.

She also pointed to the launch of the Canadian Rockies Collegiate Institute, which currently focuses on ecotourism and is expected to expand into areas such as hospitality, healthcare and early childhood education. The program is designed to help students connect classroom learning with career pathways and post-secondary opportunities.

As she settles into the role, McKibbin says her goal is to maintain strong academics while continuing to build a culture of well-being across the division.