As the North Vancouver Board of Education continues its nation-wide search for a new superintendent/CEO, it is pleased to have the support of Sylvia Russell, who will serve as Acting Superintendent beginning March 14, 2022.
Sylvia is an experienced leader, bringing decades of experience in a variety of leadership roles in B.C.'s K-12 public education system. Most recently, Sylvia retired from the role of Superintendent of Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District, a role she held from 2014. In retirement, she continues to serve the public education sector in the capacity of mentor to other senior educational leaders as part of the B.C. School Superintendents Association (BCCSA) mentoring program.
Sylvia will work with the Board of Education and senior leadership, including Superintendent Mark Pearmain prior to his move to the Surrey School District, to ensure current priorities and progress on key initiatives are maintained. In addition, Sylvia's capable leadership, wealth of experience and expertise will ensure a smooth transition as recruitment for a new permanent superintendent continues.
As shared in the January 12, 2022 update, the Board has retained the services of executive search firm Boyden to help shape and implement the recruitment process for a permanent superintendent/CEO. The Board, supported by the school district's Secretary Treasurer/CFO Jacqui Stewart, and Executive Director, Human Resources, Scott Stanley, will oversee Boyden's work. The recruitment process will include opportunities for the involvement and input of both Indigenous rights holders and school district stakeholders, which will assist the Board in its recruitment responsibilities.
The Board of Education looks forward to working with Sylvia, who like the North Vancouver School District, places a high value on progressive, innovative and inclusive public education. The Board also looks forward to continuing to provide the school district community with updates as the recruitment process moves forward.