FMCSD Deputy Superintendent announces retirement

Fort McMurray Catholic School Division (FMCSD) announces its Deputy-Superintendent – Inclusive Education Monica Mankowski will retire at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

With three decades of experience within the Catholic school division, Mankowski’s current position is responsible for various support platforms for early intervention, special education, mental health and childcare, as well as community and cross-ministry partnerships to support children.

According to FMCSD, Mankowski has spent the last five years being a leading force to the response of the 2016 Wildfire, last year’s spring flood and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Mankowski shared she will continue to support the Division and Student Services to be well-prepared for the next school year.

“It is with mixed emotions that I decided to retire at the end of this school year. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to improve the lives of children and families, and it is with gratitude that I thank the Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education for the past 30 plus years. Tony and I are looking forward to relocating to Calgary and this is a new beginning to be closer to family,” Mankowski stated in the release.

“I will continue to prepare the Fort McMurray Catholic School Division for the 2021–22 school year, and ensure that Student Services is prepared to continue to provide the services that have been such a benefit to our families and staff.”

Making a Mark through Leadership

Fort McMurray Catholic School’s Superintendent George McGuigan said Mankowski made a mark through her work and her leadership will be missed.

“There are many feelings when a colleague for almost four decades retires. On the one hand, there is immense gratitude for their dedication to children, families and the Division as a whole. On the other, there is sadness in that we won’t be working together,” he stated.

“Monica and I share many memories, the greatest being involved in the lives of each other’s children. I will miss her dearly but the mark she has left on Fort McMurray Catholic Schools will be felt for decades to come.”

Monika Mankowski with the late Elsie Yanik. Photo supplied by FMCSD

Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education Chair Cathie Landmead echoes her colleagues and attributes Mankowski’s passion for students and families in the community.

“Over the span of her career, Monica has infused her passion for students, and in particular, her passion for inclusive education for all children. Of particular note is all of the time, heart and soul Monica has put into ensuring that our division is well-positioned to help our students and families in areas such as mental health wellness, classroom supports, and support for our LGBTQ2+ students. Monica is truly an example of servant leadership, and while she will be deeply missed throughout our division and our community, her retirement is well deserved,” said Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education Chair Cathie Langmead.

In the community, Mankowski has also been an ambassador for neurodiversity and was recognized as one of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s Women of Inspiration for the 2013-2014 series.

To read the full news release, visit www.fmcsd.ab.ca.

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YMM Parent Team

YMM Parent Team is a collaboration of authors and contributors from in and around Fort McMurray.