ATLANTA-Dr. Benjamin Canada, former Atlanta Public Schools superintendent, died last week at age 67. Canada, who served as the district’s leader from 1994-1998, retired from the Texas Association of School Boards within the last year and passed away after enduring a period of declining health.
Canada joined APS after working in Mississippi as superintendent of Jackson Public Schools. Throughout his career, the longtime educator held various positions in education, such as special education teacher, high school teacher, principal and assistant superintendent.
At the start of his tenure at APS, Canada told a group of Atlanta students at a press conference that his decision to accept the superintendent position was based on whether he thought he could give them a better education.
Dr. Canada left APS in 1998 after accepting a position in Oregon as superintendent of Portland Public Schools. Following his departure the Atlanta Board of Education named Dr. Betty Strickland interim superintendent, and in 1999 the board appointed Dr. Beverly Hall superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.
Canada is survived by his wife, Doris, and two daughters. The family will hold a memorial service after the Thanksgiving holiday.
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