School District 73 will start its next school year with a new superintendent.
In July, an Alberta-based superintendent named Rhonda Nixon will takeover for interim superintendent Terry Sullivan. Sullivan moved into the position — one he previously held for 15 years — after former superintendent Alison Sidow retired, prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Nixon has a 30-year-long career in education and has experience working in a variety of schools in Alberta. SD73 board chair Rhonda Kershaw said Nixon’s personality and leadership style were a good fit for the district.
"She'll help ensure the good work we've already done will continue on without a bump in the road," Kershaw said, during Nixon's introduction to the press on Tuesday morning.
Nixon said she was drawn to SD73 because of its diversity, having worked in schools both large and small.
"I truly loved every experience I’ve had,” she said. “They’re different and I value them for their difference — and I saw that Kamloops offered that.”
Nixon's previous roles include teaching in elementary, junior and secondary schools. She held administrative positions, including vice-principal and principal, and is currently the superintendent of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools in Alberta. She holds a Ph.D. in language and literacy from the University of Alberta.
Kershaw said she hopes Nixon will serve for at least five years.
Nixon's term will begin in July, after the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
COVID-19 will continue to be a challenge, but Nixon will bring experience. Nixon said she has been directly responsible for contact tracing and communication in her district amid the COVID-19 pandemic and parents have been happy with how she has handled the public health emergency.
"Given the experience I’ve had in the past months here ... I feel very well-positioned to work with our team," she said.
