Chinook's Edge honours Ted Harvey and Kurt Sacher with Roy E. Cope Award
Chinook’s Edge School Board is pleased to announce it has selected two individuals to receive the Roy E. Cope Award for 2025. Ted Harvey retired recently, after serving as the division’s Director of Technology. Kurt Sacher has been Superintendent of Schools for 15 years, and will retire at the end of this month. Both are being honoured with the award because of the difference they have made to students.
Kurt Sacher’s focus on relationships made a significant impact throughout the division
Kurt Sacher has been an educator for 39 years in Alberta and British Columbia. After filling roles as teacher, vice principal, principal, and associate superintendent, Sacher came to Chinook’s Edge as Superintendent in 2010.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Board with the Roy E. Cope award,” says Sacher. “After 15 years as Superintendent I could not be more proud of our people and what our school division has become over time. We have all worked collaboratively to do everything possible to find success for every single child. Our people care deeply about the experience of each student in our division. They have always amazed me and to have my name associated with this school division will always give me joy."
Sacher is known for his emphasis on relationships. He has established systemic approaches to ensure voices are heard and validated through a variety of Matters Committees (Students Matter, Teachers Matter, Support Staff Matter and Parents Matter). He has also established other processes for division office and school based administrators to allow their voice to shape the ongoing direction of the school division. He is known for knowing people’s names and connecting with them personally.
“Kurt is a relational leader,” says Karyn Barber, Associate Superintendent of System Services. “He demonstrates compassion and caring for students, families, and staff members in every interaction, every day. Over the past 15 years, this consistent approach has created trust and open communication at all levels of the organization.”
“Kurt has had a significant impact on the school division over the past 15 years,” says Shawn Russell, Associate Superintendent of Corporate Services. “He has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and one that focuses on the importance of relationships throughout the organization. Many of the processes and procedures that Kurt has implemented over his time with Chinook’s Edge will last for years to come.”
Holly Bilton, Chair of the Chinook’s Edge School Board says, “Kurt has dedicated his career to the education and wellbeing of children. The Board greatly appreciates all he has done to lead this division throughout the 15 years he has served as the Superintendent. Recognizing Kurt with an award named after a past Superintendent who also valued relationships, the children in his care, and the staff in his employ could not be more fitting. Many of the qualities we have recognized in Kurt over the years are qualities which have been foundational in what has become a strong Chinook's Edge culture and are evident in the success that we see throughout the division today. Thank you Kurt, on behalf of the Board and all of Chinook’s Edge, for your tremendously positive work.”
Ted Harvey, working behind the scenes, was always focused on what is best for students
Ted Harvey came to Chinook’s Edge 21 years ago after a career in agriculture and business. First a LanTech, then working at the technology help desk, then as network coordinator, in 2012 Harvey became the Director of Technology.
“I am really honoured to receive the Roy E. Cope Award, especially when I consider being in the company of other recipients like Kurt Sacher and Ray Hoppins,” says Harvey. Hoppins was an Associate Superintendent who retired last year after many years of service. “I’ve had a hugely supportive team behind me all focused on support for students. We’re all here for that reason, and we work together to positively impact their experience everyday. Our biggest wins are when we walk through schools seeing students using technology successfully.”
“Thanks to the Chinook’s Edge administration and Board for being so supportive of the work we are doing in technology,” says Harvey. “This support has allowed us to be leaders in the way we use technology in education.”
“Ted has always kept the child at the centre of any decision he makes,” says Jason Drent, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services. “He ensures students and their data is safe, and that they have access to the tools they need to deepen their educational experiences. Everyday that students walk through our doors, they are touched by the work Ted has done. We are incredibly thankful for Ted and his positive impact in our school division.”
Holly Bilton, Board Chair, says, “Though Ted's role often keeps him behind the scenes, its importance cannot be overstated, especially as technology increasingly shapes our society. His work is directly linked to the wellbeing of our students, a fact underscored by the recent security challenges avoided in our division – a testament to his effective leadership. From safety and security to teaching and learning, technology is now deeply intertwined with every facet of our division. Ted's contributions will have a lasting impact for years to come, and the Board is delighted to recognize him as a Roy E. Cope award recipient this year.”
Roy E. Cope was the Superintendent of Schools for the County of Red Deer prior to the creation of Chinook’s Edge School Division in 1995. The award, named after Cope, is given to any person who, in the opinion of the Board, has made a significant contribution to the educational welfare of students.