A new superintendent and CEO has been hired for SD73. The Board of Education of School District No. 73 (Kamloops- Thompson) has appointed Dr. Rhonda Nixon to the role starting July 1, 2021.
“The Board is confident that Dr. Nixon has the experience, credentials and dedication to excellence in education to continue the tradition of strong leadership within the District,” said Rhonda Kershaw, Chair, Board of Education.
Dr. Nixon 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. Her previous roles include elementary, junior, and secondary teacher, and vice-principal, principal, division consultant and division administrator. She is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, overseeing Inclusive and Early Education, English as Second Language, Indigenous Education, K-12 Curriculum, Distance and Outreach Education, Alternative Education Programs, Educational Technologies, and Data Management. She holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, a Master of Education Degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta.
“I am excited to serve in the role of Superintendent of Schools in a district that is known for excellence and innovation, said Dr. Nixon. “The District’s continuous improvement in provincial reading and writing standards for all students is evidence of a strong professional learning culture focused on thoughtful exploration of research-based practices.”
SD73 began its nation-wide search for a new superintendent after Alison Sidow, who served as superintendent from 2016 to 2020, announced her retirement on May 25, 2020. 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.
“We are pleased to have concluded our search, to welcome Dr. Nixon to her new role and to begin looking towards the future for our district, our staff and our students,” Chair Kershaw added. “While this has been a challenging year, staff throughout the District have shown resilience and exemplary dedication to our public education system.”