School superintendent leaves after 4 months

The Edmonton Public Schools is looking for a new superintendent after the sudden departure of Lyall Thomson, who spent just over four months on the job.

Board spokeswoman Lisa Austin said Thomson's departure is effective immediately, but no reasons were given.

"Out of respect for the individual, I can't talk about any of those details," she said Thursday.

"What parents need to know is that it is business as usual. The excellent education their children received yesterday, they will receive today and will continue to receive."

The board has appointed Bob Holt, a retired executive director with the school district,as acting superintendent until someone is hired to replace Thomson.

Thomson, the first superintendent to be hired from outside the district in 30 years, signed a three-year contract that began Sept. 1. Before moving to the Edmonton system, Thomson was superintendent of the Rocky View School Division near Calgary.

Edmonton Public Schools has 199 schools serving more than 80,000 students.