School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson) Board of Education announced July 13, the appointment of two new assistant superintendents to the superintendent’s office.
At the SD73 Regular Board meeting on June 10, 2021, the board considered the B.C. government’s Early Learning Framework which has an expanded focus on programming for children from infancy to eight years of age (previously five years of age). As a result, the board paralleled this provincial direction by revising the role of Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education to include Early Learning.
“On July 12, 2021, our board was delighted to appoint Mr. Grant Reilly to the role of Assistant Superintendent, Early Learning and Elementary Education,” remarked Board Chair Kershaw. “He brings a variety of experiences in supporting all learners academically, socially, and emotionally and we believe he will be a tremendous asset to the SD73’s senior leadership team.”
Reilly has been an educator for 21 years, serving in diverse roles (district principal, principal, vice-principal, teacher, learning support teacher, district numeracy lead) in rural (Lytton, Ashcroft and Savona) and urban (Kamloops) communities. He is currently the District Principal of Inclusive Education in SD73 and holds multiple post-secondary qualifications, notably a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership (UVic), a Professional Certificate, School Management and Leadership (UVic), and a Professional Certificate, Transformative Educational Leadership Program (UBC).
“I am excited to take on this role, and I am committed to forging relationships with all parties that work with students,’ Reilly said upon accepting the position. “As a senior leader, student voice and parent advocacy will continue to be important.”
SD73’s board had previously created the role of Assistant Superintendent of Inclusive Education on June 10 of this year. Although the district has made great strides in meeting the diverse needs of students and in achieving parity for Aboriginal students, this change will ensure continued progress in achieving equity and excellence for all students.
“On July 12, the board was delighted to appoint Ms. Vessy Mochikas to the role of Assistant Superintendent, Inclusive Education,” commented Kershaw. “She is an advocate for excellence in the delivery of equitable and inclusive education, and she will be a great addition to the senior leadership team.”
Mochikas has been an educator for 25 years, and she been a principal, vice-principal, teacher, counsellor, and Learning Assistance Resource Teacher. She is currently the Director of Instruction, Elementary Education and Learning Services responsible for Aboriginal and Inclusive Education. She holds multiple post-secondary qualifications, notably a Master’s Degree, Leadership and Administration (Gonzaga University) and a Professional Certificate, Transformative Educational Leadership Program (UBC).
“I am excited to work as a senior leader that enables each member of the learning community opportunities for success by focusing on a positive, trust-building, solution-focused vision of public education,” Mochikas said in accepting the position.
Superintendent Rhonda Nixon shared, “I am looking forward to working with Ms. Mochikas and Mr. Reilly who will each bring new ideas and energy into an already exceptional school and district leadership culture in SD73.”
Both Reilly and Mochikas will commence their positions in August 2021.
Source: SD73
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