Dr. Christine Perkins, incoming superintendent for Vernon School District. (File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

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The new superintendent of the Vernon School District says she is looking forward to building positive and production relationships with everyone involved in the District 22 system.

Dr. Christine Perkins has been appointed as the district’s superintendent of schools, effective August 1, 2021. She will take over for Joe Rogers, who retires in July after 27 years with the district in several positions.

Dr. Perkins is currently superintendent of schools/CEO for SD 8 – Kootenay Lake, and was previously assistant superintendent of schools for SD 58 – Nicola-Similkameen, and has previous experience in Sea to Sky SD 48. Perkins holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from UBC and a Masters in curriculum and instruction from Gonzaga University.

“Perkins looks forward to building strong positive, productive, and innovative relationships with the Board of Education, the Districts’ leadership team, principals and vice-principals, educators, CUPE, students, parents, and guardians,” a School District 22 news release stated.

Perkins said she is honoured to be coming to work and learn on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Syilx people.

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“I am committed to improving literacy (all forms), and numeracy K-12, as well as increasing graduation rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike. I am very enthused about having the opportunity to merge new leadership experiences as superintendent of schools/CEO for School District 22 (Vernon) with those of my past leadership experiences,” Perkins said.

Perkins said she believes in holistic, humanistic approaches to education and has always enjoyed being on the leading edge of new learning.

“Collaborative leadership, involving representative stakeholders in decision-making, all the while remaining fiscally responsible are hallmarks I hold high. “I look forward to increasing student voice and co-creating a new Strategic Plan with the Board of Education and taking School District 22 into 2027 and beyond,” she said.

Gen Acton, Board Chair, said Perkins brings extensive knowledge, expertise and abilities to the position.

“Christine’s passion, personal qualities and skillset will continue to support the vision of School District 22,” Acton said.

Acton said the board extends its sincere gratitude to the staff, administrators and partners who provided insights into the recruitment process, including building the candidate profile and participating in interviews.

The board also expressed its appreciation of Joe Rogers providing advance notice of his upcoming retirement to facilitate a superintendent search well in advance of the start date.

“His leadership over the past several years has been greatly appreciated by staff and the board,” Acton said.