After 25 years with Saskatoon Public Schools and 34 years in education, outgoing Director of Education Shane Skjerven is leaving with mixed emotions and a deep sense of gratitude.

Skjerven, who retires on July 31, 2026, joined the school division in 2001. His career included roles as teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent, and deputy director, before becoming the division's Director of Education in 2020.

Teaching was a calling he felt from an early age.

"I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a little boy," says Skjerven. "The years have gone by really fast."

While he is looking forward to having more time for family, travel, and getting back to some activities he loves, Skjerven says it will be difficult to leave the relationships that have shaped his career.

"Over the course of my career in public education, I have developed and built relationships with so many students, families, staff, and colleagues, and I truly am going to miss it," he says.

Confidence in the future

Charlene Scrimshaw will become Saskatoon Public Schools’ next Director of Education on Aug. 1, 2026. Skjerven says he has the utmost confidence in her leadership and in the future of the school division.

That confidence, he says, is rooted in the people who serve students throughout the organization.

"We have outstanding staff including teachers, educational assistants, caretakers, administrative assistants and central office staff. They do an amazing job every single day."

During his six years as director, Skjerven had the opportunity to visit the 58 schools under his direction on many occasions. Those visits gave him an up-close look at the care, creativity, and dedication staff bring to their work.

"The work that our teachers do is awe-inspiring," he says. "They do an incredible job every single day meeting the needs of students."

Skjerven believes one of the division’s greatest strengths is the range of learning opportunities and supports available to students.

"We have something for everyone," he says. He highlights specialized programming, gifted education, extracurricular activities, classroom excursions, and other opportunities that help students discover their interests and reach their potential.

Educating the whole child

Throughout Skjerven’s time as director, Saskatoon Public Schools has focused on four student goals: Academic Excellence, Character, Engagement, and Well-being.

Academic learning remains at the heart of public education, but Skjerven says supporting the whole child means looking beyond academic achievement alone.

"When we think about what it means to educate the whole child, it really is focusing on those key areas."

The goals have guided the division’s strategic plan since 2020 and can be seen in the daily work taking place in classrooms and schools.

"Our teachers and staff really live that plan out every single day in the work they do with students," he says.

Looking ahead

Retirement will begin with some well-earned relaxation. A devoted sports fan, Skjerven is looking forward to watching the Toronto Blue Jays, cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and attending baseball games in Seattle and California.

He also plans to spend more time with his dog and catching up on projects around the house before deciding what the next chapter will hold.

Whatever comes next, Skjerven says he will carry with him immense appreciation for the people and experiences that defined his career.

"I leave with a tremendous sense of gratitude and thanks for this organization, which has been really good to me."

WATCH: Skjerven reflects on his time in education over the last two and a half decades.