Brandon School Division Promotes Jon Zilkey to Superintendent Role

The Brandon School Division (BSD) board of trustees has appointed Jon Zilkey as the new superintendent and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2023. Zilkey, who has served as the division’s assistant superintendent for nearly five years, will succeed Mathew Gustafson, who is set to retire this summer after five years in the position.

Zilkey expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m very happy that the board has faith in me. I think Brandon School Division is a fantastic place to work.” He highlighted the quality of the staff and students, emphasizing the strong community ties he has developed over the years.

Background and Local Connections

A native of Grandview, Zilkey has spent most of his life in the Westman region. He graduated from the University of Manitoba, where he earned bachelor degrees in science and physical education, along with an after-degree in education. Additionally, he obtained a master of education degree from Brandon University in the mid-2010s.

Zilkey’s long-standing connection to the community positions him well for his new responsibilities. He noted, “There’s a sense of community everywhere you go. The people are friendly, they help each other out, whether it’s Westman rural area or Brandon itself.” This local knowledge, he believes, will aid him in making informed decisions for the division.

Experience in Education and Leadership

With three decades of experience in education, Zilkey’s background includes ten years in senior administration roles. He previously served as superintendent for the Swan Valley School Division and as assistant superintendent for Park West School Division. His tenure as a principal in Hamiota and his long-standing role at Elton Collegiate further solidify his credentials.

Zilkey highlighted that his experience navigating challenges while serving as superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic will be invaluable in his new position. “Working with the board, understanding the board dynamics, supporting the board in my role will be key,” he stated.

Transitioning from assistant superintendent to the top position, Zilkey plans to continue learning from Gustafson until his official start date. He aims to understand the nuances of his new role, acknowledging that while many decisions will still involve the board of trustees, the final call will often rest with the superintendent.

Zilkey is cautious about making sweeping changes. His approach will likely focus on incremental improvements rather than drastic shifts. He noted, “I’d like to kind of sit back and take a look at things.”

One of the pressing challenges he anticipates is managing the division’s budget effectively to ensure adequate resources are available for maintenance, student outcomes, and the construction of a new school. Zilkey emphasized the importance of continuous improvement within the division. “I’m a big believer that we always got to be improving. We never want to sit still,” he stated.

Zilkey’s promotion marks a significant step for both him and the Brandon School Division, as he prepares to lead the team into the future while honoring the legacy of his predecessor.