Winnipeg School Division names new CEO

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This article was published 11/08/2023 (1021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local champion of project-based learning, student internships and French immersion is assuming the top leadership position in Manitoba’s largest school division.

Matt Henderson is the incoming chief superintendent/chief executive officer of the Winnipeg School Division, in which nearly 30,000 students learn and more than 4,000 full-time employees work across 79 K-12 buildings in and around the inner-city.

On Friday, WSD announced Henderson, an assistant superintendent in the Seven Oaks School Division, will join its ranks later this month.

He will officially become its new CEO Sept. 7.

“One of the questions that I’ll ask people is, ‘What are you really proud of? What are you really proud of at your school? What are we really good at and how do we scale that across the division to make sure we’re providing equitable opportunities for all students?’” Henderson said.

“I’ll bring that passion and positivity to the division.”

Henderson is a WSD alum, resident and father, but he has spent the majority of his teaching career elsewhere — aside from an initial practicum at Stanley Knowles School.

Since entering teachers’ college at 30, he has worked as a generalist, history teacher, project-learning course developer, university instructor and division administrator. He has taught students in grades 5-12 and was the founding principal of Maples Met School, an alternative high school that focuses on “big-picture learning.”

In 2015, he ran for federal office in Winnipeg South Centre, under the NDP banner.

As an assistant superintendent, he has been liaising with school leaders and working on various projects including Indigenous education programs and Seven Oaks’ Tech Hub.

Henderson is also a PhD candidate at the University of Manitoba, where he is researching the erasure of Indigenous perspectives in teacher publications and the roles land, language and culture should play in designing schools.

The WSD board hired MNP to undertake a national search for a new CEO in the spring, shortly after long-time leader Pauline Clarke announced her summer retirement.

The recruitment firm received dozens of applications. A total of 12 candidates were shortlisted.

Henderson will be the 19th CEO in the division’s 152-year existence. In recent history, the board has selected internal candidates with lengthy careers in WSD for the top job — including Jack Smyth (1982-2001), Janet Schubert (2001-08) and Clarke (2008-23).

“Fresh eyes on something is always a good thing,” said board chairwoman Betty Edel.

Edel said there is value in bringing in someone with experience outside of the division and is unfamiliar with its culture.

All nine trustees participated in the interview process and voted unanimously to endorse Henderson, she said, adding his open-minded approach, as well as his inclusive philosophy on education and decision making, proved to be a good fit.

The board’s priorities for 2023-24 include completing a new strategic plan, building an equity office and continuing to implement the recommendations it received earlier this year to tackle racism, sexism, homophobia and ableism in school hiring practices and on job sites.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca