The Abbotsford School District has bulked up its senior leadership team over the summer.
There are at least four new positions that have been filled, beginning with the movement of Nathan Ngieng to deputy superintendent, from his previous director of instruction position.
In August, the district then announced three more hirings.
Patricia La Framboise-Lo was hired as associate superintendent, human resources. La Framboise-Lo will step into the role in October, where she will “guide the human resources portfolio and drive the district’s commitment to fostering a progressive workforce aligned with its strategic plan,” according to the district’s news release.
With a master of arts in conflict analysis and management from Royal Roads University and as a designated chartered professional in human resources (CPHR), La Framboise-Lo has more than 15 years of experience in the sector. Since 2015, she has served as director of the human resources branch for the Abbotsford Police Department.
The district has also hired Bruce Cunnings and Jay Pankratz as assistant superintendents.
Cunnings begins in October and will lead the strategic direction of the instruction and curriculum portfolio. He has been an educator in the B.C. for more than 28 years. He has worked in various school and district administrative roles across lower mainland school districts throughout his career journey, including New Westminster, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge. Most recently, Cunnings has served as director of instruction for learning services in New Westminster.
Pankratz began his new role over the summer, and will be primarily responsible for leading the strategic direction of the secondary school portfolio.
Pankratz began his career with the Abbotsford School District in 1997, where he first served as a classroom teacher at Rick Hansen secondary. As his career progressed, he had the opportunity to take on multiple school management roles, including vice-principal at Yale secondary from 2005-2009 and spending almost 10 years as principal at Yale secondary and WJ Mouat secondary.
In 2019, Pankratz transitioned to the human resources department, where he served as district principal. This position gave him the opportunity to learn more about the school district’s strategic operations, support the development of recruitment and retention initiatives, and work with current and future leaders in a mentorship and coaching capacity.
With a master of education from Simon Fraser University and a certified professional coach, Pankratz is passionate about supporting leaders in their work to ensure all students are prepared for a lifetime of success. He steps into the leadership role following Gino Bondi’s appointment to chief executive officer of the British Columbia School Superintendents Association.
READ MORE: Assistant superintendent takes on higher leadership role with Abbotsford school district
