Future School Leaders Graduate from the Leadership Development Program

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

At the Regular Public Board meeting on Monday, September 09, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and District staff celebrated this year's Leadership Development Program graduates.

For over 40 years, the Leadership Development Program (formerly the Executive Development Program) has supported future school and District leaders with meaningful training opportunities, hands-on experience, and mentorship. This program is a vital part of our commitment to developing strong leaders right in the Kamloops-Thompson School District.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to express our gratitude and congratulations to this year’s Leadership Development Program graduates,” shared Board Chair Heather Grieve. “Many leaders in our District have gone through this program, which speaks to the quality of the program and the leaders we have within our District.”

The Leadership Development Program is a two year program where participants are exposed to a wide variety of school leadership duties and take direct leadership of running various school wide events. Participants attend learning sessions monthly, attend an Educational Law course at Thompson Rivers University, and develop a strong foundation to confidently take on school leadership roles.

“We are proud of this year’s Leadership Development candidates who have completed a two-year program and developed their leadership knowledge and competencies to continue to lead and support excellence in student learning from different leadership roles,” shared Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon.

This year, the District recognized seven outstanding Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduates.

Sheila Brown brings her LDP experience with Principal Collins at Logan Lake and Principal Carmichael at Valleyview Secondary to her current role as the Trades and Transitions District Coordinator.

Ashley Lowndes worked alongside Principal Perry at Brocklehurst Secondary School (then Middle School) during her LDP experience and is currently a teacher leader at Brocklehurst Secondary. 

Kirk MacFarlane completed his LDP experience with Principal Lloyd at Kamloops School of the Arts, where he continues to develop leadership skills as a teacher leader.

Jason Nesci is currently starting his journey with a temporary Vice Principal position at Parkcrest Elementary after completing his LDP experience with Principal Sewell at AE Perry Elementary.

Jennifer Nielsen is currently a Vice Principal at Haldane Elementary with LDP experience with Principal Sewell at AE Perry Elementary and Principal Orr at Beattie Elementary.

Chris Spanis has accepted a continuing Vice Principal position at Westsyde Secondary following his LDP experience with Principal Kirschner at South Kamloops Secondary and serving as temporary Vice Principal at Norkam Secondary.

Michael Wood is a teacher leader at Bert Edwards Science and Technology School, where he completed his LDP journey with Principal Edstrom.