(Fort McMurray, AB, September 15, 2026) - The Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Board is pleased to announce the approval of a new Strategic Plan that will guide the Division’s priorities, decisions, and direction in the years ahead.

Following the election of October 2025, the newly elected Board began work on developing a strategic plan. Through a series of meetings, conversations, reflection, and collaborative planning sessions, the Board worked to identify the priorities that will help guide the future of Catholic education in our region.

This process provided the Board with an opportunity to reflect on the strengths of Fort McMurray Catholic Schools while considering the evolving needs of students, families, staff, and the broader community.

The resulting Strategic Plan is built around four interconnected pillars:

• Faith First

• Student Success

• Sustainable & Future Ready Systems

• Cultivating Relationships

   

“Developing this Strategic Plan has been an important opportunity for our Board to come together and consider what we want the future of Catholic education to look like in Fort McMurray,” said Board Chair Dale Barfoot. “These four pillars reflect what we believe is essential to supporting our students and strengthening our Catholic school communities. We are excited to move forward with a clear vision and a shared commitment to our students, families, and staff.”

This Strategic Plan provides a framework for decision-making and priority-setting across Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. It will also help align future initiatives, resources, and actions with the Board’s vision for Catholic education.

“Faith First, Student Success, Sustainable & Future Ready Systems, and Cultivating Relationships are deeply connected and will be embedded within our Education Plan. This provides a strong foundation for our Division as we continue to grow, adapt, and serve our community,” says Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Superintendent Natasha MacArthur-Poole.

As the Division moves into the implementation of the Strategic Plan, our Board looks forward to bringing these priorities to life in partnership with students, families, staff, parishes, and the broader community.