School District 51 appoints Allen Davidson as new superintendent

Pictured: New superintendent Allen Davidson.

School District 51 has appointed Allen Davidson as its next superintendent of schools.

Davidson will begin the role on Aug. 1, succeeding Anna Lautard, who is retiring in July after more than 30 years with the Boundary school district.

The Board of Education announced Davidson’s appointment on Feb. 5 following what it described as an extensive recruitment process involving staff, administrators and district partners.

Davidson is currently the assistant superintendent of employee services with Alberta’s Foothills School Division. His career has included K–12 teaching, instructional coaching, school administration and senior district leadership in both rural and urban school systems.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and geography and a professional education qualification from the University of Victoria, as well as a Master of Education in educational technology from the University of British Columbia.

Davidson said he was honoured to return to British Columbia and serve the students, families and staff of School District 51.

“As a graduate of British Columbia’s public education system, my commitment to student success has been shaped by formative experiences in schools in Kamloops, Port Alice and primarily Vanderhoof,” Davidson said in the district’s announcement.

He said the district’s vision, mission and values align with his approach to teaching and leadership.

“I am genuinely excited to join you in this work to ensure our students are flourishing today so they can build a confident future tomorrow,” he said.

Board chair Shannon Hall said Davidson was selected for his collaborative and student-centred approach to leadership.

“In selecting Allen as our superintendent, the Board of Education is confident that his commitment to students, staff, families and community will strengthen our district and support our vision of nurturing curiosity, resilience and joy in all learners,” Hall said.

Davidson and his wife, Jennifer, a pediatric occupational therapist, have three adult children.

Pictured: Outgoing superintendent Anna Lautard

Lautard retiring after more than 30 years

Lautard announced her retirement in June 2025, giving the district more than a year to conduct its search for a successor.

She began working in School District 51 more than three decades ago and served as a teacher, vice-principal, principal and director of instruction before moving into the superintendent’s office.

Lautard became acting superintendent in January 2021 and was formally appointed superintendent on July 1, 2022.

During her time as acting superintendent, Lautard led the district through the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the continuation of in-person learning.

She later oversaw the implementation of the district’s five-year strategic plan and supported data-informed work in literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning.

The district also credited Lautard with helping establish the District Youth Advisory Council, supporting a major policy revision project and contributing to the development of the district’s first long-range facilities plan.

The Board of Education said her work in Indigenous education and her efforts to guide the district’s understanding of its responsibilities in Truth and Reconciliation were also significant parts of her leadership.

The superintendent search was supported by educational consultant Anne Cooper, a former superintendent with the Revelstoke and Fort Nelson school districts. The process included consultation intended to help the board develop a candidate profile and identify the district’s future leadership needs.

The board thanked the staff members, administrators and partners who participated in consultations and candidate interviews before Davidson’s appointment.