School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) announced today that the following school principal and vice-principal transfers, appointments and retirements will come into effect August 1, 2023:  

District-Wide

Principal Ken Wiens is leaving Erickson Elementary to take on the role of district principal for SD8’s online learning programs including Elev8 DESK – a Provincial Online Learning School (POLS) - and the hybrid online/in-person program, Homelinks. Principal Wiens will take over from District Principal Rob Simpson who is retiring in 2023.

Creston Family of Schools 

Principal Brian Hamm is transferring from Kootenay River Secondary to Erickson Elementary where he will lead the school as their new principal.

Vice-principal Mike Nelson will continue in that role at Kootenay River Secondary and add vice-principal of Wildflower Creston to his leadership portfolio.

Principal Laury Carriere will transfer from Canyon-Lister Elementary to Kootenay River Secondary School to serve as the new principal, in addition to continuing as principal of Wildflower Creston.

Kaslo Family of Schools

Principal Victoria McAllister, who has been on leave from J.V. Humphries and Jewett schools for the 2022-2023 school year, will lead Crawford Bay Elementary and Secondary School as the new principal.

Acting Principal Ron Sherman will now become principal at J.V. Humphries and Jewett School. 

Nelson Family of Schools

Vice-Principal Danielle Klassen will transfer from L.V. Rogers Secondary School to Trafalgar Middle School to work alongside current Trafalgar Vice-Principal Mark Bonikowsky.

Retirements

District Principal Rob Simpson and Redfish Elementary Principal Kim Jones will retire from SD8 this year. 

“Congratulations to our school leaders across the district for taking on these important roles, and for putting your skills and talents to work for SD8 students, staff and families. I am incredibly thankful for the teamwork, flexibility and dedication of our principals and vice-principals. We need compassionate, supportive, and effective leadership for educators and learners to excel,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie. 

School leader openings at Canyon-Lister Elementary, Redfish Elementary and L.V. Rogers Secondary School will be filled in the coming months and changes announced before the next school year begins. 

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) provides educational services to numerous diverse communities in the East & West Kootenays, including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel and Yahk. Its dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for 4,800 students and their families. Its mission is to focus on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.