Experienced educator hired to helm Kamloops-Thompson school district

Kamloops-Thompson school district board chair Rhonda Kershaw announced Tuesday SD73 has found a new superintendent — an experienced educator from Alberta.

"I am pleased to announce the Board of Education has hired a new Superintendent of Schools for the Kamloops-Thompson School District, Dr. Rhonda Nixon, beginning July 1," Kershaw says in a press release. 

The announcement was made on a Facebook live stream.

Nixon boasts numerous years in the education system and wide-ranging experience. 

"Our new superintendent holds a bachelor of education degree, a master of education degree, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, and she brings many accomplishments from her diverse, 30-year career as an educator in rural, rural-urban, and large school districts in Alberta and as a post-secondary professor at the University of Victoria," says Kershaw. 

Nixon comes to SD73 from Alberta, where she is currently the deputy superintendent of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. 

Nixon has a great deal of experience in dealing with Covid-19 in Alberta, Kershaw says, and brings her expertise to Kamloops to ensure the safety of every child and staff member. Nixon has been responsible for contact tracing in her current role in St. Albert. 

Kershaw and the Board were looking for a longterm solution for the position of superintendent. 

"Our nationwide search for a new superintendent began after Alison Sidow, who served as superintendent from 2016 to 2020, announced her retirement on May 25," says Kershaw.

"With the search for a new superintendent still incomplete for the start of school in September, the Board appointed former superintendent Dr. Terry Sullivan (1999 to 2014) for a one-year term." 

Now that the position has been appropriately filled, the Board thanks all those who were able to step up for the 2020-21 school year. 

"The Board would like to acknowledge the work throughout this school year of Dr. Sullivan, our senior leadership and all our school and support staff," Kershaw says.

"We would also like to recognize the efforts parents have made in supporting our schools as we have all worked to bring a much-needed sense of continuity, stability, and security to our communities during this challenging time."