At the Regular Public Board meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education and District leadership recognized and celebrated this year's Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduates.

At the meeting, Superintendent Mike St. John shared: 

“For over 50 years, this Leadership Development Program has been preparing educators in SD73 to step into formal leadership roles, not just as managers of systems or operations in a school, but as designers of the conditions that change students' life chances. This two-year program is unique to SD73 and reflects what we believe about leadership: that leading well means knowing each learner deeply, designing experiences with intention and care, and holding an unwavering commitment to the flourishing of every student and staff member. 

Participants in this program attend learning sessions led by system leaders and are mentored at the school level by current school leaders who model what it means to lead with humility and humanity. They learn how to lead learning, build connections and partnerships, and manage the complexities of schools and our district, all while keeping people at the centre. 

We know that excellence in education is about people over programs. It comes from leaders who ensure people feel seen and heard, who design opportunities that help others feel valued and capable, and who refuse to settle for anything less than every student and staff member becoming more of who they are capable of becoming. 

Tonight, we congratulate and recognize nine individuals who have successfully completed the Leadership Development Program and invested in their own learning and in SD73. We are grateful for your dedication to this work.”

The Leadership Development Program is more than professional development; it is a commitment to growth, to students, and to the future of education in SD73. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, the program has supported and cultivated countless future school and district leaders across the district.

Over the past two years, the LDP Graduates have engaged in school-based mentorship, practical school leadership opportunities, and monthly learning sessions led by district experts to gain a holistic understanding of school and district operations, including Human Resources, Policy and Procedures, Indigenous Education, Inclusive Education, Finance, and Instructional Leadership.  

This year, nine LDP participants successfully completed the program and demonstrated readiness to take on leadership roles in SD73.

• Brian Badgero completed his LDP experience with Principal Perry at Brocklehurst Secondary. One of his key takeaways from the program was developing a deeper understanding of the administrative frameworks that support the education system.
• Jessica Baker completed the program with Principal Boyle at Summit Elementary. During her experience, she gained a greater appreciation for the complexity of school leadership decision-making, including how leaders balance competing priorities and how effective leadership depends on relationships, trust, and understanding the people behind the information.
• Amanda Jensen completed her LDP experience with Principal Sdoutz at NorKam Secondary and currently serves as a term certain Vice-Principal. The program reaffirmed her desire to lead and positively impacted her teaching by deepening her understanding of diverse approaches to supporting students.
• David Lam completed his LDP experience with Principal Boyle at Summit Elementary. The program provided him with invaluable insight into school-based leadership and the application of policies and administrative procedures when navigating complex issues.
• Christy MacKenzie learned alongside Principal Conroy at Rayleigh Elementary. Her experience helped shift her practice toward providing more meaningful learning opportunities for marginalized students.
• Kelsy Torbohm completed her LDP experience with Principal Gartrell at Chase Secondary before taking on an interim vice-principalship at Beattie Elementary with Principal Mangell. She credits the opportunity to learn from senior leaders with helping her better understand the role of school leadership and building her confidence to pursue that path.
• Denise Underwood learned alongside both Principal Sewell and Principal Mabee during her LDP experience at AE Perry Elementary. She particularly appreciated the opportunities to work through case studies with peers and the Human Resources session focused on collective agreements.
• Cheryl Volkaert learned alongside Principal Hembling at @KOOL. Her participation in the program strengthened her capacity for reflection, helping her think more intentionally and deeply about how to turn leadership goals into meaningful action while furthering her interest in school leadership.
• Morgan Whitehouse completed her LDP experience with Principal Kirschner at Valleyview Secondary. She especially valued the learning centred on leading through a trauma-informed lens and understanding the importance of creating the conditions that enable others to do their best work.

When asked about their experience in the program, this year's graduates shared that they were inspired to "learn and grow with students," while "expanding their circle of influence" and "building positive change."

What would this year's graduates tell others interested in the Leadership Development Program? "Go for it," they said. "It is an excellent opportunity to grow your own learning while growing alongside your peers."

At the end of the presentation, Chair Grieve shared:

“I want to express gratitude on behalf of the Board of Education, not only for taking part in the leadership program but also for your continued commitment to the district regardless of whether or not you end up going into administrative roles within the schools. Our gratitude to you for taking on this challenge and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of you. Thank you for your commitment to School District No. 73.”