Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The Chilliwack School District administrative office on Cessna Drive is pictured. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack School District

Communication manager for Chilliwack School District resigns; no response from SD33 superintendent

Aug 20, 2024 | 4:00 PM

CHILLIWACK — Fraser Valley Today has learned that a communication manager hired earlier this year by the Chilliwack School District has resigned from her position.

Shelley O’Brien, who stepped into the role of communication manager with SD33 effective March 25, has left the district effective August 6.

Back in March 2024, Chilliwack School District said it hired O’Brien as its communication manager to fill a critical need within its organization. According to a news release from SD33 dated Monday, March 25, O’Brien was expected to play a crucial role in implementing and executing communication strategies in support of the Chilliwack Board of Education’s strategic plan and facilitating the understanding and achievement of the district’s priorities, goals, and objectives.

Some of her duties involved supporting the ongoing, important work of clarifying communication with partner groups, parents, guardians, caregivers, staff, First Nations, community members and organizations.

Anchored by over 18 years of experience in senior administration and communications roles, O’Brien held a number of diverse roles prior to joining SD33, including internal communications manager, chief of staff, and administrative officer across tech, finance, energy, and education sectors. Her extensive experience spanned successfully managing operations and communications for executive leadership teams, boards, faculty, students, and investors.

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“O’Brien has a proven track record in implementing communications strategies and establishing sustainable communication processes,” SD33 wrote in a statement. “As an Indigenous professional, she actively supports Indigenous advocacy groups, providing volunteer copyediting and grant proposal writing services to advance Indigenous community interests.”

Commenting on the appointment, SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam stated, “We are excited to welcome Shelley to our team as the District’s Communication Manager. Through her extensive, rich experiences across multiple organizations over the last 18 years, coupled with her commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging through strategic communications and enhancing workflow competencies, Ms. O’Brien will support the creation of a rich District culture where students and adults will continue to thrive.”

With a certificate in communications and public Relations from Western University, complemented by the completion of BA (Honours) in English from Queen’s University in June 2024, SD33 said O’Brien brought a wealth of experience to this role.

“She will be a strong addition to the Chilliwack School District Leadership team, which is instrumental in implementing the Board of Education’s strategic plan with laser focus, supporting a culture where we continue to champion the human spirit,” SD33 concluded.

As of Monday night, no adgertisement for a communication manager had been posted on Indeed.ca or Make a Future, the job posting website commonly used by many school districts throughout British Columbia.

SD33 Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam did not immediately respond to an email from Fraser Valley Today seeking comment, and had not responded as of Monday morning, August 26, five full days after this story was published.