SCHOOLS – Board of trustees announces new superintendent

The Kamloops-Thompson school district has a new superintendent. Ontario educator Mike St. John will take up the post beginning next year.

“The Board of Education is confident that Mr. St. John is the right leader for the future of our school district,” board of trustees chair Heather Grieve said Monday.

“His extensive experience, instructional knowledge, inclusive leadership practice, and an unwavering dedication to student achievement and well-being align perfectly with the priorities and values of our District Strategic Plan.”

With more than 30 years of experience, St. John has worked in classrooms, led schools and served both urban and rural communities in public school districts in Ontario.

He joins SD73 from the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) where he is part of the senior leadership group.

Prior to joining the DSBN leadership team, his experience included roles as a system administrator, operations officer, school principal, vice-principal, consultant and a teacher in the Durham District School Board.

“I am pleased that Mike St. John has made a commitment to lead our school district into the future. His values and practices fit well with our district’s priorities, and I know he is excited to connect with the community and support the learning agenda,” said current superintendent Mike McKay.

“Mike’s successes in various senior leadership portfolios in Ontario have demonstrated his commitment to supporting learners’ life chances.”

In 2012, St. Pierre was a recipient of Canada’s Outstanding Principal Award.

“I am inspired by SD73’s values, priorities, and strategic actions towards helping students be good at learning and good at life, and I am thrilled to be joining the Kamloops-Thompson School District as Superintendent of Schools,” St. John said.

The district continues its search for a new secretary-treasurer with interviews in the coming weeks.