In order to best support high quality learning programs in each of our schools, a reorganization of Education & System Services as well as Student Supports & Services was in order. Some previous education-based Director roles, including those that were left vacant by retirements and departures, will now be Division Principals.
Each Division Principal portfolio has been filled by a leader who has a specific area of expertise, and who will work collaboratively with our school-based principals to support students in the areas of curriculum services, instructional services, student services, achievement, and wellness and community partnerships.
“Our Division leaders have been doing great work and we feel that this reorganization will help us provide the levels of support necessary to reach our ultimate goal of student success and well-being,” stated Superintendent Boyce.
“We feel these roles accurately represent our vision for a Leadership team that guides our work, directly impacting three Key Domains of our education plan including Student Growth & Achievement, Teaching & Leading and Learning Supports.”
Division Principals for 2023-2024
Linda Madge-Arkinstall, Division Principal
Literacy & Lifelong Learning
Linda Madge-Arkinstall has been a fixture in the Millgrove School community since 2006. That was the year she returned to teaching after taking some time off to raise her four children. She started as a Kindergarten teacher at Millgrove and she also taught K-1 music. She was also an Inclusive Education Lead before her foray into Administration as an Assistant Principal starting in 2016. Linda has been Principal at Millgrove School since the 2020-2021 school year. Her journey in education began in Drayton Valley spent as the Grades 1-3 resource room teacher and prior to her sabbatical, she also taught at Graminia School in similar roles in Early Years classrooms. Linda earned her Bachelor of Education with a Special Education minor from the University of Alberta. She has also since earned a Master of Education with an Area of Study in Educational Research and Specialization in Leadership through the University of Calgary.
"It has been a privilege to work at Millgrove School and I have gained so much from the staff, students, and parents and I will truly miss this amazing group. Their commitment to the well-being of children and incredible focus on literacy and numeracy growth is outstanding and I will take this experience and apply it to the position of Division Principal. I am excited to work with a new group of outstanding educators and grateful to continue the valuable work."
Shaye Patras, Division Principal
Indigenous Education & Numeracy
Shaye Patras rejoins PSD's Division Office in the role of Division Principal, Indigenous Education & Numeracy after having spent the last three school years as Principal of École Meridian Heights School in Stony Plain. Prior to that, he has also been Principal at Seba Beach School, Blueberry School and Woodhaven Middle School.
His previous stop in a central role was as a Curriculum Facilitator back in 2007 with PSD's Learning Services, providing direction and leadership to teachers and administrators in areas such as curriculum implementation, professional development and assessment. Shaye began his journey with Parkland School Division in 2002 and has also taught at Woodhaven Middle School and Greystone Centennial Middle School. He also spent a year in a secondment role at Alberta Education in 2005-2006.
Shaye graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta. In 2010, Shaye earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
"It has been an honour to serve the École Meridian Heights School community over the past three years. I have been truly amazed by the resilience and collaboration that students, staff and parents have shown. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue to learn and grow and to serve Parkland School Division in this new role."
Nealle Dickson, Division Principal
Student Services
Nealle Dickson has, most recently, been serving as Principal of Woodhaven Middle School since the beginning of the 2022–2023 school year. A dedicated educator and leader, Nealle began her teaching career with Parkland School Division after earning her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta in 2001. She spent her first four years teaching a Grade 5/6 split class at Tomahawk School before moving to Muir Lake School, where she taught various grades from 3 through 8 from 2005 to 2015.
Nealle’s journey into school leadership began in 2014–2015 when she served as Acting Assistant Principal at Muir Lake. She went on to serve as Assistant Principal at École Meridian Heights School and, later that same school year, transitioned into the same role at Prescott Learning Centre. In 2019, Nealle was appointed Principal of Forest Green School, where she led the school community with passion and care through three impactful years.
Nealle holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta in 2001.
“Leading the Woodhaven Wolfpack these past three years has been one of the greatest honours of my career. I will truly miss the students, staff, and families who make this community so special. As I step into my new role as Division Principal: Student Services, I look forward to supporting staff and students across Parkland School Division."
Marsie Fisk, Division Principal
Student Services
Marsie brings over a decade of experience in educational leadership with Parkland School Division. Known for her student-centered leadership and calm, collaborative approach, Marsie is deeply committed to inclusive education, mental health supports, and building strong school communities.
Her work has focused on developing responsive programming for diverse learners, supporting trauma-informed practices, and professional learning across schools. Marsie has also supported REAL, STEPS, and LAWS programming at various sites, building strong connections with students and families. She believes that all students can be successful with the right supports. During her 17 years in Parkland School Division, she has held various roles including Math Teacher, Inclusive Education Lead, Learning Coach, and Assistant Principal with stops at Connections for Learning, École Broxton Park School, École Meridian Heights School. She’s been at Memorial Composite High School since 2019.
Marsie earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta, with a major focus in French As A Second Language. She completed a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University.
"I’m thrilled to step into this role and collaborate with staff, students, and families to strengthen the support that helps all learners thrive.This is meaningful work, and I’m excited to be part of it—to listen, to lead, and to help create the conditions where everyone can succeed.”
Travis McNaughton, Division Principal
Program Choice and Innovation
Travis earned a combined five-year Bachelor degree in Education and Physical Education, with a minor in English Language Arts from the University of Alberta in April 2005. Later, he earned his Masters in Educational Leadership: Leading and Learning from the University of Calgary. Travis joined Parkland School Division in 2011 where he served as Assistant Principal at Muir Lake School and Principal at Parkland Village School and Forest Green School before settling into his current position as Principal of Connections for Learning. He oversaw the school absorbing both Spruce Grove and Stony Plain outreach campuses as well as the launch of programs-of-choice like the Parkland Student Athlete Academy, My Path, Building Futures, Virtual Learning and the Learning Hub to name a few.
“I’ve always believed that when we design learning around student strengths, passions, and purpose, incredible things happen. Innovation in education isn’t about flashy programs—it’s about creating meaningful, authentic pathways where every student sees themselves as capable, connected and can find success.”