School District 27 has announced several administrative appointments at schools in the region beginning August 1, 2024.
Doug Brown will be the new principal at Chilcotin Road Elementary School following his year as vice-principal at Nesika Elementary. Brown has also been a vice-principal of Lake City and PSO in the district.
“During his time as a vice-principal, Mr. Brown has developed a keen interest in supporting inclusion, as well as working towards establishing better health and safety practices within his schools,” noted the district in a news release.
Brown will be replacing retiring principal Gregg Gaylord.
Heather McKinnon will be joining Holly Zurak’s team at Nesika Elementary as vice-principal of Nesika.
McKinnon has been a teacher in SD27 at both Horse Lake and, most recently, Cataline Elementary.
“During her time as a teacher in SD27, Mrs. McKinnon has been a key participant in the learning series, leading and collaborating with colleagues in areas of instruction and assessment … her varied
career of 20 years also includes a strong commitment to the First People’s Principles of Learning through her connections in First Nations communities.”
Dancing Water Sandy will be joining Kelly Glen and the team at Marie Sharpe Elementary as vice-principal.
Sandy spent last year as principal of Dog Creek Elementary and previously dedicated the last five years to the role of language and curriculum development teacher for SD27.
“Dancing Water has also been a participant in the SD27 Leadership Series and brings invaluable lived experience as a member of the T’exelmc community of the Secwepemc First Nations. Her strong stated commitment to teaching and leading through Indigenous ways of knowing and doing will be an incredible asset to Marie Sharpe.”
Alina Cameron will be joining Hattie Darney and Matt Cullum at Columneetza Jr. Secondary as vice-principal. Cameron has been the inclusive education lead at Columneetza, where she has been on staff since 2019.
“During this time, she has played an integral role in the modernization and understanding of inclusion across the school,” noted the district. “She has also been a part of the SD27 Leadership Series, engaging with district staff, colleagues, and other education experts as we work to move practice forward in SD27.”
Prior to being in SD27, Cameron was part of SD34 for eight years, where she was also a part of their leadership academy.
Nara Riplinger will be joining Curt Levens and Yvonne Davis at Lake City Secondary as vice-principal.
Riplinger has been a teacher at Columneetza and brings over 24 years of experience to her new role.
“During her time at Columneetza, she has led numerous collaborative efforts and has been a lead participant in the SD27 Leadership
Series. Nara has also served as the CCTA Pro-D Chair, working closely with SD27 to bring in the best possible learning opportunities for educators. Ms. Riplinger is also an active
member of the Williams Lake community through various sports and connections with local First Nations.”
Robert MacDonald has been appointed to vice-principal and Peter Skene Ogden (PSO)
“Mr. Macdonald is a Red Seal Journeyman electrician whose teaching experience includes ADST (robotics, electronics, discover trades) and math,” noted the district.
“He completed his Master of Education in Learning and Technology through Western University. Mr. MacDonald is coming to the Cariboo following five years of secondary teaching
in Surrey School District. He is looking forward to opportunities to engage with the community and the environment.”
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