School District 52 reaches to the North Okanagan for new Superintendent

As the school year begins to head towards the final days of June, SD52 is turning some of its attention towards September announcing the hiring of a new Superintendent of Education, set to take over for the departing Ken Minette who is relocating to Grand Forks after close to three decades of service to the region.

The quest for his replacement began in early April, with the School District receiving insight on the recruitment process from a range of partners and administrators in the lead up period to the candidate interviews.

Last Thursday, Board Chair announced the appointment of Irene LaPierre to the post, the new Superintendent coming to Prince Rupert from School District 83 which serves the North Okanagan Shuswap area of the province out of Salmon Arm.

Ms. Lapierre who is currently completing her doctoral dissertation at the University of British Columbia is of Metis, Anishnaabe and Cree ancestry and brings with her a vast level of experience as a high school teacher, elementary school principal.

As well, the new SD52 Superintendent has had extensive District level experience with SD83, currently serving as the Indigenous Education District Principal.

Some background on the work of the Indigenous Education program at SD83 can be reviewed below:

SD83 Indigenous Education

Elder teaches Secwepemc

Ms. Irene LaPierre has been appointed to the
position of Superintendent for SD52

The appointment which was made as a unanimous decision by the members of the Board of
Education,  calls on her deep understanding of Aboriginal learners and how she looks forward to facilitating a student-centred strength based approach to educating all students in the District.

“The Board of Education was moved by Irene’s personal story of success,”  ... “Her focus on student success as the foundation for decision-making mirrors the Board’s Vision and Mission. We look forward to working with Irene to achieve successful outcomes for all of the district’s students.” -- SD52 Board Chair Tina Last on the appointment of a new Superintendent for the District

Ms. LaPierre will take up her duties with SD52 on August 1st.

You can  review the SD52 announcement here.

For more items of interest related to education in Prince Rupert see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review