Tuesday, June 2, 2020

School District 52 and School Superintendent Dr. Irene LaPierre to part ways

An information releasee on the SD52 website
has announced the departure of Superintendent
Irene LaPierre who joined the District in 2018

A surprise announcement has been posted to the SD52 website this morning advising that the School District and Superintendent of Education Dr. Irene LaPierre appear to be parting ways.

The June 2nd information release notes that "after reflection, the Board of Education for School District 52 has determined that it wished to go in a different direction regarding district leadership"

In the advisory, the School District advises that as requested Dr. LaPierre has agreed to leave the employ of the district immediately.

No further details as to what led to the decision of the Board are included as part of today's announcement.

Dr. Lapierre was hired on by SD52 in May of 2018, coming to the North Coast from the North Okanagan, she brought an additional focus on Indigenous learning to the District, as well as to continue forward on a range of SD52 initiatives during her close to two years as the head of the District.

She took over the office from former Superintendent of Education Ken Minette who relocated to the Grand Forks area after a number of years of service for SD51.

Up until today's announcement, Dr. LaPierre was navigating the School District 52 Return to School process.

Dr. LaPierre was provided the opportunity for a final comment which stated:

“I have been honored to serve children and families in School District 52 in collaboration with the leadership of school and district personnel. I am grateful for the opportunity to support learning and enhanced student achievement, particularly that of Indigenous students. 

It is my hope that the Board continues the work of the Equity in Action and Truth and Reconciliation plans to support optimal learning opportunities for all students.”

Her departure comes as the School District faces a number of challenges including some recent budget cuts and the ongoing work towards the building of a new Middle School in the city.

The final Board Meeting of the current school year for the Prince Rupert Board of Education is scheduled for June 9th, where perhaps Board trustees will offer up some further explanation for the public record as to the decision to go in a different direction.

You can review the full announcement from SD52 below:

The June 2nd Information Statement from SD52
(click to enlarge)



More notes related to SD52 and Superintendent LaPierre's time at the helm can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

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