COAST MOUNTAINS SCHOOL DISTRICT
2019-2020 Leadership Staffing Changes

The Board of Education for Coast Mountains School District 82 wishes to announce the following leadership staffing changes for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

Principal, Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School

Currently the Vice Principal at Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School, Christine Byrd has been appointed to the position of Principal at Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School effective August 1, 2019.  She holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Victoria and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from the Vancouver Island University.  Christine has demonstrated exemplary leadership in serving as Vice Principal at Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary and at Nechako Elementary Schools respectively.  A long-time resident of Kitimat, she is an outstanding educator and is passionate about success for all learners.  Christine brings great insight, leadership and commitment to making a continued positive difference for all students at Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School.

Principal, Skeena Middle School

Cindy Sousa has been appointed to the position of Principal at Skeena Middle School effective August 1, 2019.  Currently the Principal at Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School in Hazelton, Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Education Degree with a focus in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia.  She has served in leadership roles with the school district since 2006, including the role of Principal at North Coast Distance Education School, and she is highly regarded by her colleagues as a respected educator and a competent team player.  Cindy is a strong and passionate advocate for success of all learners, including those from diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.  Her energy, enthusiasm and deep commitment to students will have a positive impact on the continued success of the students and the school community at Skeena Middle School.

Principal, Suwilaawks Community School

Currently the Vice Principal at Cassie Hall Elementary School, Julia Jacobs has been appointed to the position of Principal at Suwilaawks Community School effective August 1, 2019.  She holds a Master of Education Degree through the Vancouver Island University and a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of British Columbia.  Julia is a strong advocate for student success and has a reputation for bringing an enthusiastic, team-focused approach to everything she does.  She has always demonstrated passion in her profession, an understanding and respect for local diverse cultures and the importance of community involvement in making a difference in the lives of young people.  Julia's energy and passion for children and their success will serve the school community of Suwilaawks well.

We extend our congratulations to Christine, Cindy and Julia on their appointments and wish them every success in their new positions.

Coast Mountains School District is actively seeking a new Principal for Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School and new Vice Principals for Cassie Hall Elementary, Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary and Skeena Middle Schools respectively.  A Canada-wide search will begin next week.

The Coast Mountains Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following administrators for their valuable contributions and efforts in their leadership roles as they have chosen to return to the classroom effective the 2019-2020 school year:

• Phillip Barron, currently Principal at Skeena Middle School will assume a Classroom Teaching position in the Terrace/Thornhill area effective September 1, 2019.
• Pam Kawinsky, currently Principal at Suwilaawks Community School will assume a Classroom Teaching position in the Terrace/Thornhill area effective September 1, 2019.
• Cory Killoran, currently Vice Principal at Skeena Middle School will assume a Classroom Teaching position in the Terrace/Thornhill area effective September 1, 2019.

We extend our best wishes to Phillip, Pam and Cory for success and fulfillment in their new positions.

Katherine McIntosh
Superintendent of Schools