While two months may seem like a relatively short period of time to have an impact in a new job in a new community, School District 69 (Qualicum)’s interim superintendent says he’s ready to keep things moving along at the district.
Keven Elder, a recently retired superintendent from School District 63 (Saanich), will be filling in for SD69 superintendent Rollie Koop, who is on medical leave until Jan. 31 of 2019.
“We have sought the help of Dr. Elder in the interim,” said board chair and trustee Eve Flynn. Elder has an Ed.D doctoral degree from Brigham Young University.
“Even though it is for only two months, I will do that (become a part of the community) in full and energetically support the Board of Education, the district leadership team, all employees, the students, their parents and caregivers, and the good people of Parksville, Qualicum and the surrounding areas,” said Elder in an email to The NEWS.
“My goal is to provide a good and stable presence to allow staff and partners to do their best work as we prepare for superintendent Koop’s return at the end of January,” he continued. “Rollie and his team have built a strong foundation that will endure in his absence, but we do have some work to do in key areas like collective bargaining, strategic planning, curriculum implementation and professional development.
“My being in the district as interim superintendent will allow system-wide leadership to continue in those and other areas, every day in every way.”
Elder said during his first two weeks, he planned to meet with key leaders throughout the school district.
“School District 69 is a shining example of the diverse, inclusive, innovative and high performing system that is B.C. public schooling,” said Elder. “I can’t wait to get fully into the district and get to know everyone as we keep the ship on course and await the captain’s return.”