Richard Froese

For the Lakeside Leader

High Prairie School Division (HPSD) has promoted Pam Heckbert to the position of deputy superintendent, beginning next school year.

Heckbert has served as assistant superintendent for the past three years. In that role she supervised many departments, including facilities, safety, wellness and mental health, learning support teachers and inclusive education. She’s had an education career spanning more than 26 years, says a May 14 news release from the HPSD.

Before her appointment as assistant superintendent, Heckbert served many years at G.P. Vanier School in Donnelly, including as principal, from 2017 to 2022.

Heckbert has been instrumental in bringing innovative supports to students, says the release, such as the Child and Adolescent Services for All classroom and the interactions classroom, both at E.G. Wahlstrom School in Slave Lake. She leads the educational assistant advisory group and is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to student success.

Heckbert holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Alberta. She also has a Bachelor of Education degree with distinction from the U of A, with a major in instrumental music and a minor in English language arts.

The deputy superintendent is considered the superintendents primary assistant. As such, she would assume the superintendent’s role in his or her absence.