New Superintendent Derek Blais Takes Charge at Saskatchewan Rivers

Derek Blais officially began his role as the new Superintendent of Facilities for the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division on September 15, 2023. He replaces Mike Hurd, who recently retired after years of service. Blais brings over 11 years of experience in municipal administration and public infrastructure management to the position, making him well-equipped to oversee the division’s diverse facilities.

Blais, who has deep roots in the region, grew up in Debden and has also worked for the City of Prince Albert as a recreation manager from 2014 to 2019. Before that, he held a managerial position with Hockey Canada in Calgary. Most recently, he served in Moose Jaw, where he was promoted to oversee all civic facilities, expanding his role beyond parks and recreation to include community services and planning.

Emphasizing Learning and Adaptation

In his new position, Blais acknowledges that while he is comfortable with facilities management, he faces a learning curve when it comes to school facilities. He noted the unique needs of educational environments compared to public recreational venues. “There’s definitely some different needs between a public recreation venue and a school, but yet there are a lot of things that are the same,” he explained.

During a recent tour of rural schools within the division, Blais expressed admiration for the quality of maintenance and caretaking. He commended Hurd’s contributions to capital planning and the establishment of effective systems for handling service requests. Blais remarked on how up-to-date these systems are compared to other sectors, stating, “They are definitely, I would say, ahead of the class.”

Blais’s familiarity with the region, especially the Highway 55 corridor schools from his youth, will aid in his transition. However, he is still getting acquainted with facilities in areas such as Kinistino, Birch Hills, and St. Louis.

Strategizing for Future Success

Rather than implementing sweeping changes immediately, Blais plans to take his time to learn about the facilities, their conditions, and the priorities for renewal projects. He believes it is essential to understand the role fully before making significant adjustments. “You have to go through a full cycle of all four seasons to really understand your role and understand your team,” he said.

Utilizing accountability reports produced by Hurd, Blais is familiarizing himself with departmental operations and priorities. He is aware that the number of facilities he oversees—32 schools and various accessory facilities—will be an adjustment from his previous role, where he managed only ten major facilities.

Blais’s excitement for his new position is palpable. “I’m just appreciative of the opportunity, excited to really get my feet wet, and grateful for the work that’s been done here by Mike and the whole facilities team,” he said. His commitment to building on the strong foundation laid by Hurd and his team bodes well for the future of Saskatchewan Rivers School Division.