Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education Announces New Superintendent Mike St. John

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The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education is pleased to announce that Mike St. John has been appointed as Superintendent of Schools and CEO of School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), starting in early 2026.

“The Board of Education is confident that Mr. St. John is the right leader for the future of our school district,” shared Board Chair Heather Grieve. “His extensive experience, instructional knowledge, inclusive leadership practice, and an unwavering dedication to student achievement and well-being align perfectly with the priorities and values of our District Strategic Plan.” 

A respected educator and system leader with over 30 years of experience, Mike St. John has worked in classrooms, led schools, fostered community partnerships, and, in executive leadership roles, has served diverse urban and rural communities in public school districts in Ontario. His belief in teamwork and collaboration has been illustrated by the value he has for all voices in our learning communities.

Mike joins SD73 from the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) where he is part of the senior leadership group and has held several key portfolios in a large and complex school system. Throughout his tenure, he has embraced inclusive, innovative, and optimistic approaches that advance student success.

Prior to joining the DSBN leadership team, his experience included roles as a System Administrator, Operations Officer, school principal, vice-principal, Inclusive Education Consultant, and a teacher in the Durham District School Board. 

“I am pleased that Mike St. John has made a commitment to lead our school district into the future. His values and practices fit well with our district’s priorities, and I know he is excited to connect with the community and support the learning agenda,” shared current Superintendent, Mike McKay. “Mike’s successes in various senior leadership portfolios in Ontario have demonstrated his commitment to supporting learners’ life chances.” 

With a reputation as a thoughtful, strategic, and responsive leader who puts people first, Mike has been dedicated to the success, well-being, and belonging of students, staff, and the community throughout his career. In 2012, he was a recipient of Canada's Outstanding Principal Award for his work building bridges with the community to address social realities that often factor against student success.

“I am inspired by SD73’s values, priorities, and strategic actions towards helping students be good at learning and good at life, and I am thrilled to be joining the Kamloops-Thompson School District as Superintendent of Schools,” shared Mike St. John. “I look forward to supporting the Board in a shared commitment to fostering authentic connections with students, parents and families, all employee groups and labour partners, the Indigenous Education Council, and the entire SD73 community. We will learn and lead together as we collectively create the most caring and engaging learning environments for students and staff, while expanding on the District’s solid foundation of connection, equity, well-being, and sustainability.”

Mike will be relocating to Kamloops early in 2026 when he joins the Kamloops-Thompson School District as Superintendent. Superintendent Mike McKay will continue with the district into the new year to support this transition. 

The Board of Education is continuing their search for a new Secretary-Treasurer with interviews occurring in the coming weeks.