With the upcoming retirement of long time principal Alan Harrison at Hillcrest Elementary, the North Okanagan-Shuswap School district is shuffling school leadership.
Superintendent Peter Jory has announced several changes including a move for Gord Ritchie, currently vice-principal at Salmon Arm Secondary- Jackson Campus, to assume the position of principal at Hillcrest Elementary.
Steve Drapala, currently vice-principal at Pleasant Valley Secondary (PVSS), will replace Ritchie at SAS Jackson. Drapala’s replacement will be determined after the conclusion of the school district’s ongoing vice-principal recruitment process.
Effective February 1, two additional changes to district leadership will take place. Jared King, currently the vice-principal at Shuswap Middle School, will transfer to Bastion Elementary and Paul Rosman, currently the vice-principal at Bastion, will transfer to Shuswap Middle School.
“Mr. King and Mr. Rosman will bring fresh talents and perspectives to their new environments, and further increase their leadership experience as a result,” says Jory.
Jory also bid farewell and expressed his gratitude to Harrison, who has been a member of the school district community for 31 years – 29 of those as vice-principal or principal. In addition to his school leadership, Harrison has been a president of the local Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, contributed countless hours to school and community athletics, as well as to local politics.
“We wish Alan all the best and thank him for his many years of excellent service to our district,” said Jory. “His work with students, staff, and parents over his career has been truly exemplary.”