At the February 3 regular meeting of the Louis Riel School Board, Superintendent & CEO Christian Michalik announced his intention to retire effective August 2026.

Christian dedicated 37 years to public education. He started his career in September 1989 as a Middle Years Teacher at École Golden Gate School in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division. In 1994, he joined the St. Vital School Division, one of Louis Riel School Division’s (LRSD) legacy divisions, where he went on to serve in various roles.

He first worked as a teacher and consultant at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé (1994–1999), then moved into school leadership as Principal of CJS (1999–2005). He later joined the Board Office as Director of School & Community Support (2005–2006). Christian was appointed Assistant Superintendent in 2006. He became Acting Superintendent in 2017, and Superintendent on January 1, 2019.

Christian’s superintendency has been defined by his ability to navigate significant, often unprecedented, challenges. He met every hurdle with a distinct intentionality and strength of purpose, serving as a steady anchor for our entire community. His leadership was never about maintaining the status quo. Instead, it was characterized by compassionate and principled stewardship, an unwavering commitment to the success of students and staff, and a bold, visionary approach to the future of learning. His commitment to the French language and the flourishing of our French Immersion program is indisputable. He worked tirelessly to ensure that French was not simply a program of choice, but a vibrant, living part of our divisional culture.

Christian leaves us with a clear roadmap. His legacy is one of generosity and courage, having built a foundation that allows us to plan for the future with confidence. He has instilled in Louis Riel School Division a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that we don't just react to the future but actively shape it. He has been relentless in encouraging our entire community to consider what a modern educational system can achieve.

We thank Christian for his transformative service and for leaving LRSD stronger than ever, and we wish him all the best.

The Louis Riel School Division Board of Trustees