Media Release

September 6, 2024 - Adam Murray, Superintendent of Schools for Peace River School Division (PRSD), is announcing his resignation effective January 1, 2025.

“Mr. Murray has been an integral part of our division for over a decade. The work he has done, and the PRSD team he has built, will be remembered for decades to come. He has fostered a community that is based on teamwork and trust: Trusting in our coworkers, our leaders, and in ourselves. Mr. Murray has focused on making sure that every employee sees their full potential and makes sure they all know they are a value to our Division.”

- Crystal Owens, Board Chair, PRSD Board of Trustees

Murray came to the Peace River School Division in the Fall of 2011 as the Principal of Whitelaw Academy. Within a week of starting his first leadership position, Murray realized his first year at Whitelaw Academy would be the school’s last year of operation. He recalls that final year in Whitelaw Academy’s history as a fun year for students, full of good memories, where students were prepared for the changes and challenges they would face in the move to another school. 

After that, Murray became Principal at Hines Creek Composite before arriving in Grimshaw, at Kennedy Elementary School in 2014. Once there, Murray was once again tasked with preparing his staff and student body for a change as plans for the new Grimshaw Shared Schools Facility were announced. Murray spent one year as Principal of both Kennedy and Grimshaw Jr./Sr. High School in the transition to moving both schools to Grimshaw Public School. Murray continued in his role of supporting change as the K-12 Principal at GPS in 2017. 

“I will forever remember those years working with students and staff in Whitelaw, Hines Creek, and Grimshaw as some of the best years of my life. I have been blessed to work alongside an amazing staff, and with amazing communities.”

- Adam Murray, PRSD Superintendent of Schools

Changing gears, Murray took on the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Central Operations in 2018 before he was appointed to the position of Superintendent in the Fall of 2021.

“My experience since 2011 has been amazing. I have worked with the best people that anyone could ever hope to work with. I can safely say that I am leaving the organization in a position that is very strong. We have a team of wonderful people who are ready to lead and move to new positions to ensure all students are successful. I feel, and I know in my heart, that the division will live up to its mission of “Learning Together ~ Success for All!”

- Adam Murray, PRSD Superintendent of Schools

A few highlights of Murray’s career with the PRSD include: the positive transitioning of Whitelaw Academy students to Fairview area schools in 2012; the introduction of “A night in the Trenches” annual WWII simulation experience for students at Kennedy Elementary School and now Grimshaw Public School and area; the successful move from two separate K-6 and Grade 7-12 schools to one joint K-12 school in Grimshaw; the navigation of the school division through the COVID-19 Pandemic; championing the continued development of partnerships and relationships with communities, local municipalities, post-secondaries, and other organizations with the goal of offering rural northern students a world-class quality education with access to professionally-trained CTS instructors and high-achieving athletics programs; and, the development and successful opening of the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy.

“Mr. Murray is very passionate about his role and it shows in everything he does. Being around him as he talks about new opportunities, staff achievements, or student success, you cannot miss the excitement in his eyes or the enthusiasm in his voice. As a Board, we saw this all the time and heard it from anyone who met him. The impact he has had on our division will not be forgotten. Mr. Murray will be missed, but we are excited for him and his family as they embark on their next adventure in life.”

- Crystal Owens, Board Chair, PRSD Board of Trustees

Murray has accepted a position as the Superintendent of Yellowknife Catholic Schools in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

“I can honestly say that the Peace River School Division, which is now in their first year of their newly adopted Five-Year Education plan, is ready to achieve their goals. They  are ready to use the thoughtfully developed professional tools they have put in place to make sure that every student crosses the finish line with better grades than they ever thought possible.”

- Adam Murray, PRSD Superintendent of Schools

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For more information, please contact

Kristin Dyck,
Communications Coordinator
780-624-3601 ext. 10154