School District No. 35

Langley, BC – On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Langley Board of Education announced that the new secondary school in the Smith neighbourhood of the Willoughby Slope will be named Emery Dosdall Secondary, named for the late Emery Dosdall, a former Langley School District superintendent and deputy minister of education in the province of BC.

Dosdall, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 77, served as superintendent in the Langley School District for 13 years, a time spanning most of the 1980s and early 1990s. He was admired for being a great communicator, collaborator, and as a forward thinker whose progressive approach to education led to the decentralization of school budgeting, which gave schools the autonomy to manage their budgets. His student-centric ideas resulted in the development of alternative and choice programs in Langley.

“Naming this school after Emery Dosdall reflects the profound and lasting impact he had on our district and its students, staff, and families,” said Langley Board of Education chair Candy Ashdown. “His innovative vision laid the foundation for alternative and choice programs which still continue to provide students with meaningful options that help meet their needs, support their passions, and create pathways.”

His impact on students and education was felt beyond Langley, as well.

Dosdall started his career in education as a teacher in Edmonton. He later worked his way to become an administrator in the Langley School District. In 1995, he returned to Alberta to serve as superintendent of the Edmonton Public School Board. In 2001, he came back to BC to take on the role as deputy minister of education where he helped build and improve the education system province-wide until his retirement in 2008.

“Emery Dosdall’s actions throughout his career are true to our District's mission to inspire all learners to reach their full potential and create a positive legacy for the future,” said Mal Gill, superintendent of schools. “His name on this new school will serve as a reminder of his commitment to students in Langley and across the province.”

Dosdall, who was born in Saskatchewan, lived his later years in Surrey, where he was an active member of the local Rotary Club, volunteering his time helping make a difference in the community.

The Langley Board of Education and District invites students, staff, and families to join in the celebration of the naming of this new secondary school in the Langley community.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Joanne Abshire  
Communications Director
jabshire@sd35.bc.ca  
604-363-1671