New boss for school district

Photo: School District 83.

Less than 24 hours after the announcement that Glenn Borthistle was leaving his post at the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District, the man who will fill the superintendent's shoes was announced.

Peter Jory, currently director of instruction for Innovation and Technology at Sea to Sky School District, will take over the position in August.

“One of the most important decisions any board of education makes is the selection of its CEO,” said official trustee Mike McKay in a statement. “We are fortunate to have someone with Peter Jory’s background and skills taking on such a key leadership role in our school district.

“I know he looks forward to the transition to our district and to relocating to the North Okanagan-Shuswap region.”

McKay said Jory brings a successful track record in strategic planning and direction, working with communities in a collaborative way and focusing on supporting success for every learner.

“I feel Peter is an excellent choice to lead the school district as it embarks on its new strategic plan during complex times when we are dealing with enrolment growth, space pressures and the implementation of a new curriculum and a collective agreement with our teachers.”

Jory joins the school district during troubled times.

McKay, who was appointed by the education minister last year after the elected board was fired, is struggling with proposals to change the makeup of a number of schools.

One proposal would see the grade range adjusted at M.V. Beattie Elementary in Enderby to a K-5 configuration with A.L. Fortune becoming a Grade 6-12 school. Some parents are opposed.

But Jory said he is “looking forward to getting started.”

Jory has led a number of significant projects for District 48, including the development of a district technology plan, the creation of several new academies and the expansion of the district’s career and trades programs.