PORT HAWKESBURY: The board of directors of the recently formed Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia (PSAANS) announced on December 20 that Ford Rice has been appointed interim executive director.
As executive director, Rice will work with a board of 14 public school administrators to represent the diverse interests and voices of over 800 educational administrators at the school and regional level, and will liaise with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development along with the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union.
“The association’s mission is to represent the diverse interests and voices of over 800 educational administrators whose leadership is central to building strong systems and strong schools, where staff and student success are the priorities,” Rice said in a media release. “My role will be to advance this mission and the interests of the association in relation to four key priorities: educational and professional excellence, negotiation and advocacy, building relationships and instilling confidence, and support and protection.”
Rice will be vacating his position with the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) where he was the regional executive director, and before that was the superintendent of schools for the Strait regional school board, a position he held since 2012.
“The Strait Regional Centre for Education extends sincere thanks to Mr. Rice for his strong leadership and dedicated service to students, families, staff and school communities in the Strait Region for the past six-and-a-half-years,” a media release stated.
Paul Landry, the SCRE’s acting director of operations will serve as acting regional director until the position is permanently filled.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in the Strait region,” Rice said. “From day one, I have felt extremely welcomed by everyone and I sincerely thank everyone for the warm welcome I received and for their steadfast support during my time as superintendent of schools with the former Strait regional school board and more recently as regional executive director of the Strait Regional Centre for Education.”
Rice’s 38-year career in the public education system began as an educator in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he served 31-years. Prior to coming to the Strait area, he served as chief executive officer/director of education at the Eastern School District in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Rice in this role,” Tim Simony, chair of PSAANS said. “While we build the organization his skills as a planner, a leader, and his attention to detail will serve to establish a strong foundation.”