WEYBURN - It’s a required element for every director of education in the provincial system and Keith Keating, the director and CEO of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, was no exception.
As a result of the SECPSD’s Board Policy Handbook, Keating was subject to an evaluation process under the careful scrutiny of Ernie Cychmistruk, who was assigned to the project by the board of education.
Cychmistruk, a former Saskatoon-based teacher and a director of education in the Kamsack and Lloydminster regions, told the media last week that following his announced retirement plans a few years ago, he was approached by the board to see if he would be interested in getting involved in the evaluation processes.
He agreed to participate and as a result, found himself in several corners of the Cornerstone division, doing his own particular brand of homework that focused on the early results posted by Keating, who accepted the duties previously carried out by Lynn Little after she retired following the 2021-22 school year.
In his in-person verbal report to the board, Cychmistruk said, “I did interviews around the division as part of Keith’s first evaluation process and from what I’ve heard and seen, you are having a very good year.”
Cychmistruk said he followed policy requirements that looked at the director’s responsibilities and achievements, not only his but also students and teachers as well as fiscal responsibilities.
“The process is pretty well straightforward,” he said.
A board workshop on May 9 started the process where Keating addressed the members. That was followed by a series of division interviews conducted by Cychmistruk.
“I did 28 interviews. I met with members of the administrative council, school division personnel, plus a random selection of principals and vice-principals regarding clearness of direction. I spent a day in Estevan and half day in Moosomin. This was done along with other visits and I was welcomed by everyone. All the people were very professional in their responses and visits. Then the board stepped in and we went through the policies and assessments,” he said.
At the conclusion of his report to the board on June 21 in the head office conference room, Cychmistruk said, “Keith, it appears, has met or exceeded expectations and there is a positive and professional plan going forward. In conclusion, I will say it was a real pleasure to conduct this evaluation and my report is filed and you have a lot to be proud of.”
Chairwoman Audrey Trombley issued a thank you to Cychmistruk for his dedicated work on their behalf.
