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Jessica Thomas only third woman to take on role in Catholic board’s 141 years
Jessica Thomas (front row, second from left) the new chief superintendent of Calgary Catholic School District signed her contract in the presence of Dr. Bryan Szumlas (front, left), outgoing chief superintendent (left) board chair Lory Iovinelli; vice chair Steve Chapman, general counsel (back left) and trustees; Terry W.N. Thuo, Chantelle Dur and Shannon Cook.
Photo courtesy Calgary Catholic School District
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Jessica Thomas is eager to officially commence her duties on Sept. 1 as just the third female superintendent in the 141-year-old history of the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).
“Mother Mary Green was the first female back in 1885. Then we had Dr. Lucy Miller in 2006, and now me,” said Thomas. “That also really excites me because we are starting to see that face of senior leadership start to change in our Catholic schools and in other divisions across the province.”
Thomas assumes the top role for Alberta’s largest Catholic school division with 27 years of employment within the CCSD under her belt. She previously served as teacher, health and physical education consultant, vice principal, principal, supervisor of recruitment, director of human resources and superintendent of people services.
Academically, Thomas received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and a Human Resource Management Certificate from Mount Royal University, among other certifications.
Her credentials stood out during an international search for candidates conducted by the CCSD Board of Trustees. More than 800 school staff, parents, families and other stakeholders participated in a survey to share their thoughts on the qualities, experience and vision required of the leader succeeding Dr. Bryan Szumlas, who retired after six years as chief superintendent and 35 years as a CCSD educator.
Lory Iovinelli, the chair of the board, is certain the right contender earned the appointment.
“The board's priority throughout this process was to identify a leader who embodies our Catholic faith, demonstrates exceptional educational leadership and possesses the vision, integrity and experience to guide our district into the future," said Iovinelli. "Jessica Thomas is a highly respected leader in our district who understands our mission, values our people and is deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. The board is confident she is the right leader to build on the strong foundation of excellence we have established at CCSD."
Thomas, “honoured and humbled” that she was chosen, expressed a commitment to “elevate CCSD” and plans to do so by bolstering faith formation, student success and well-being, Indigenous education, all of which are deemed important board objectives.
She stated her intention to listen attentively to feedback from staff, parents, community leaders and faith leaders. But the benefit of already knowing the CCSD inside and out is that she “has a great sense of who we are, the culture of Calgary Catholic and how we can continue to foster and grow that.”
Szumlas said Thomas is ready to thrive in the chief superintendent role.
“Jessica knows this district, understands the importance of our Catholic mission and vision and has demonstrated throughout her career that she leads with a genuine commitment to students and staff,” said Szumlas. “I know CCSD is in very capable hands, and I look forward to supporting Jessica as she begins this next chapter."
Thomas starts this new path forecasting a one-per-cent growth in student registrations in 2026 compared to 2025. There are about 64,000 students and 7,000 teachers spread among 120 member schools. She is keen for the CCSD to continue growing and to address the challenges of sustainable funding, securing infrastructure to match growth and effectively meeting the complex needs of students.
A consistent message coming through loud and clear from registration numbers and direct feedback is that parents want their children to receive a “faith-permeated education,” said Thomas. She shed light on her forthcoming efforts to ensure CCSD radiates authentic Catholicism.
“We really have a great working relationship with Bishop (William) McGrattan, and we’ll continue to foster that,” said Thomas. “And our mission and vision are ‘Living and Learning in our Catholic Faith' so that students centred in Christ will realize their full potential.”
Thomas said her plan is for these statements to shape each CCSD decision and action.
Her nearly 30-year career in the CCSD is complemented by experiences serving as a member of the Calgary Stampede board of directors, an advisor to the Mount Royal University Faculty of Education and an appointed panel member of the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
A version of this story appeared in the August 30, 2026, issue of The Catholic Registerwith the headline "New superintendent aims to 'elevate' Calgary school board".
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CNS photo/Lola Gomez
