News Stories

September 2, 2025

Welcome to the 2025/26 School Year!

The start of a new school year always brings a sense of energy and possibility. On September 2nd, more than 20,000 students will walk through the doors of our 46 schools, supported by 3,000 staff who are ready to guide, inspire, and celebrate their growth this year. The Abbotsford Board of Education is excited to see what this year will bring for our students-new learning, new friendships, and new opportunities to thrive. 

Lisa Burdeyny Lisa Burdeyny
August 13, 2025

Congratulating Lisa Burdeyny - New Assistant Superintendent

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Burdeyny as Assistant Superintendent, effective immediately.

Lisa has been an integral part of the Abbotsford School District since 1994, serving in a variety of roles that span both school-based and district-level leadership. Her career has included teaching positions at Abbotsford Middle and Senior Secondary Schools; serving as Vice Principal at Yale and Abbotsford Senior Secondary Schools; Principal at Rick Hansen Secondary School; and, most recently, District Principal, Human Resources.

Lisa Burdeyny Lisa Burdeyny
Peter Neale
August 5, 2025

Peter Neale Appointed New Secretary-Treasurer

We are pleased to announce and welcome Peter Neale as our new Secretary-Treasurer, effective August 1, 2025.

Mr. Neale brings more than two decades of leadership in school district finance and administration, having served as Secretary-Treasurer in several districts across Alberta and British Columbia. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified School Business Official, he is widely respected for his strategic financial leadership, commitment to transparency, and collaborative approach to governance.

Peter Neale
Pete Nuij
June 16, 2025

Pete Nuij Joins District as New Assistant Superintendent

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Pete Nuij as Assistant Superintendent, effective June 16, 2025.

With more than two decades of experience in public education, Pete brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. He has served as a teacher, school-based administrator, District Principal, Director of Instruction, and most recently, Associate Superintendent of Education Services with the Vancouver School Board.

Pete Nuij
May 30, 2025

National Accessibility Week: Creating Inclusive Spaces for All Learners

This National Accessibility Week, we took time to highlight the many ways our schools can become more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all students—regardless of ability.

Throughout the week, we shared:

  • Tips for supporting students with hearing differences, from improving classroom acoustics to using captions in virtual meetings.

April 14, 2025

Celebrating Completion of the What’s In a Name? Legacy Project

The Abbotsford School District, in collaboration with the Abbotsford School District Retired Teachers Association (ADRTA) Heritage Committee, is proud to celebrate the completion of the What’s In a Name? legacy project—an initiative that brings to life the rich history behind local school names. 

Celebration of Learning 2025 Celebration of Learning 2025
February 24, 2025

Celebration of Learning; RHSS Leading with ‘The Why’

As an inquiry-based/project-based learning school, Rick Hansen Secondary starts with 'The Why' of things. If you are truly guided by your values, then every decision you make is aligned with those values. Our school's hallways, as well as the bi-annual Celebration of Learning projects, showcase three of these key values: Courage, Teamwork and Integrity.

Celebration of Learning 2025 Celebration of Learning 2025
RHSS Celebration of Learning RHSS Celebration of Learning
January 20, 2025

Rick Hansen Secondary Hosts Inspiring Celebration of Learning

On January 16, 2025, Rick Hansen Secondary School (RHSS) buzzed with energy as students, staff, families, and community members gathered for the highly anticipated Annual Celebration of Learning. The evening unfolded with a vibrant blend of creativity, innovation, and heartfelt reflection. 

RHSS Celebration of Learning RHSS Celebration of Learning