Bill Holmes Appointed Principal at École Senator Riley Middle School

I loved being at Spitzee surrounded by a great team of adults whose focus was to bring out the best in our ‘Eagle Nation’.  Now I am excited to continue that work at Senator Riley, working with our pre-teens & teens to be the best that they can be.  

The Foothills School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Holmes as Principal at École Senator Riley Middle School (ÉSRMS), effective February 23, 2026.

This news is shared after Ms. Kelli Graham has accepted an opportunity at ÉSFCHS/AHSFA to support the administrative team and school community. We thank Ms. Graham for her leadership skills, experience, and expertise that has served ÉSRMS well, and will continue to serve the staff, students, and families in Okotoks.

Mr. Bill Holmes has been with FSD for 37 years and leads with a wealth of experience and commitment to educational excellence.  With degrees in Physical Education from Mount Royal College and Washington State University, Mr. Homes earned his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and later a Master of Education from the University of Lethbridge.  Bill began his career with FSD as a Teacher in Millarville School and over the years Bill has been a part of several school teams including Blackie School, École Joe Clark School, Cayley School, École Okotoks Junior High School, and most recently Vice Principal at Spitzee School.

We are excited to welcome him to the ÉSRMS school leadership team.

Bill Holmes has dedicated his career to fostering positive learning environments and supporting student success. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, making him an ideal fit for the École Senator Riley Middle School community.

As Bill Holmes moves into the role of Principal, he reminds us about Dr. Kevin Maxwell’s words in which he said, “Our job is to teach the students we have.  Not the ones we would like to have.  Not the ones we used to have.  Those we have right now.  All of them!” Bill adds, “I loved being at Spitzee surrounded by a great team of adults whose focus was to bring out the best in our ‘Eagle Nation’.  Now I am excited to continue that work at Senator Riley, working with our pre-teens & teens to be the best that they can be.  We are working with our future neighbours, labourers, trades people, accountants, lawyers, community leaders and parents.  We know how important these middle years are to the growth and development of good citizens.  We have an amazing staff here at Senator Riley and we look forward to celebrating all that comes in working with students in a middle school!” 

Superintendent of Schools, Chris Fuzessy, welcomes Bill to ÉSRMS with the following, “Sincere congratulations and gratitude for stepping into this new leadership role at École Senator Riley Middle School. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Holmes to the school as Principal. His kind, calm, and professionally caring leadership and educational expertise will undoubtedly continue to support the school and school community well into the future”.

We look forward to continued growth and achievement for our students, staff, and school community. Please join us in welcoming Bill to École Senator Riley Middle School!