SCHOOL DISTRICT 8 - KOOTENAY LAKE
SD8 – Kootenay Lake School Board Selects New Superintendent

The Board of Education is pleased to announce that they have selected Trish Smillie as the new Superintendent of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), effective August 1, 2021.

Currently, Ms. Smillie serves as Assistant Superintendent for School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson). Ms. Smillie has experience in both elementary and secondary school leadership and has served in a senior administrative position in the Yukon and has prior experience as a District Principal, Principal and Teacher in School District No. 19 (Revelstoke). She has a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and two Bachelor degrees, in Education and Recreation Administration.

^{Trish Smillie to Lead the District Effective August 1, 2021}

Ms. Smillie plans to build strong and productive relationships with SD8's students, parents and guardians, the Lower Kootenay Band, CUPE and all District support staff, the District's educators, KLTF, Principals and Vice-principals, the District's leadership team, and with the Board of Education.

"I am honoured to be coming to live, learn, and work on the traditional territories of the First Nations where School District 8 operates," said Ms. Smillie. "I am committed to helping the Board meet all of its goals, including its literacy, numeracy, inclusion and indigenization learning goals, as well as to enhancing equity and focusing on success for all learners in all of the District's diverse communities."

"Trish has an incredible skillset and depth of experience that she will bring to our District", stated Lenora Trenaman, Board Chair. "We are looking forward to Trish's leadership to move forward our mission of fostering student success, and focusing on excellence for all our students in a nurturing environment."

The entire Board also extends its gratitude to its partners and staff who provided their insights into the recruitment process, including building the candidate profile and participating in interviews. The contributions and the input provided were very helpful and the Board wishes to thank each participant for their time and valuable contributions.

About the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake):

The Board of Education of School District No. 8 provides educational services to numerous diverse communities in the East & West Kootenays, including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel and Yahk. Its dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for over 5,400 students and their families. Its mission is to focus on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.