District Leadership

Dr. Rhonda Nixon brings many accomplishments from her diverse, 30-year career as an educator in rural, rural-urban, and large school districts in Alberta and as a post-secondary professor at the University of Victoria. Her previous roles include elementary, junior, and secondary teacher, and vice-principal, principal, division consultant and division administrator. Prior to her appointment as Superintendent for SD73 on July 1, 2021, she was the Deputy Superintendent of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, overseeing Inclusive and Early Education, English as Second Language, Indigenous Education, K-12 Curriculum, Distance and Outreach Education, Alternative Education Programs, Educational Technologies, and Data Management. 

She holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, a Master of Education Degree, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta.

Lead for the district’s 12 secondary schools, Bill is also responsible for distance learning, continuing education, student information systems and International Education. His career began in Alberta before moving to Kamloops in 1995. A secondary educator, Bill’s experience also includes roles as vice-principal, principal, district principal and assistant superintendent. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), History from UBC, Post Baccalaureate professional teaching certificate from the University of Alberta, and a Master of Education (MEd) from UBC.  He also completed the Transformative Educational Leadership Program at UBC.

Grant has been an educator for 23 years, serving in diverse roles (district principal of inclusive education services, principal, vice-principal, teacher, learning support teacher, district numeracy lead) in rural (Lytton, Ashcroft, and Savona) and urban (Kamloops) communities. He holds multiple post-secondary qualifications, notably a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership (UVic), a School Management and Leadership (UVic) Professional Certificate, and a Transformative Educational Leadership Program (UBC) Professional Certificate.

Vessy has been an educator for 26 years, and she has been a director, principal, vice-principal, teacher, counsellor, and Learning Assistance Resource Teacher. Previously the Director of Instruction, Elementary Education and Learning Services she was responsible for Aboriginal and Inclusive Education. She holds multiple post-secondary qualifications, notably a Master’s Degree, Leadership and Administration (Gonzaga University), and a Professional Certificate in Transformative Educational Leadership Program (UBC).

Lisa is responsible for the curriculum and instruction team which supports schools with the implementation of British Columbia's refreshed curriculum as well as promotes innovative and inclusive learning environments. She has taught secondary English, social studies and art as well as had experience as a school-based administrator, a district principal and an assistant superintendent. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Double major English and History) from Brandon University, a Post Baccalaureate professional teaching certificate from SFU, and a Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction from SFU. Lisa has continued her learning at UBC through the Transformative Educational Leadership Program.

Responsible for the Graduation Program, the School Completion Initiative, Student Information Systems and Trades and Transitions, Rick started his education career in Clearwater in 1992. While in Clearwater Rick taught history and social studies, was a school counsellor, a vice-principal and principal. In 2007, he moved to Kamloops gaining further experience as a school principal at Sa-Hali Secondary and South Kamloops Secondary. Prior to his current position, Rick was the District Principal of Human Resources for SD73. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SFU, a Bachelor of Education degree and Transformative Education and Leadership Program certificate from UBC, a Master of Education in Teaching (Counselling) degree from Gonzaga University, and a BC Professional Teacher Certificate.

Trina started with School District No. 73 in 2006 and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA) and the British Columbia Association of School Business Officials. As the Secretary-Treasurer, she is the corporate officer of the Board and is directly responsible for a broad portfolio including financial and corporate operations, legal affairs, purchasing, policies and procedures, support personnel, financial information management, risk management, maintenance, and facilities and transportation. Before joining the District, she held financial positions in Kamloops at Aluminum Curtainwall Systems, Inland Glass & Aluminum and BDO Canada LLP.

Robbie is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University. He started with School District No. 73 in 2019 as the Manager of Finance. His previous financial experience includes not-for-profit organizations, public accounting firms, banking, and utilities. 

Responsible for planning and managing the information technology operations of the district, Wayne has 17 years of experience working in the public sector including 11 years as the manager of networks and security with SD73. He has a BA in Mathematics from SFU and is pursuing certification in Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), the leading framework for managing IT service delivery. 

Art is responsible for the maintenance of the district’s 55 facilities and grounds, and a fleet of 100 maintenance vehicles. Annually he prepares the Long-Range Facilities Plan, the Capital Priorities Plan, and is integral to providing the data to manage district enrollment pressures. He is currently overseeing the expansion of Valleyview Secondary, the rebuilding of Parkcrest Elementary, and has started the process for a new elementary school in Pineview Valley.  

A professional engineer, Art holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (PEng) from UBC.

Sherry started her career in transportation almost 20 years ago as a driver and then as a dispatcher at BC Transit. Sherry joined SD73 in 2013 as a dispatcher, becoming manager in 2016, and director in 2021. In 2018 Sherry became a Certified Director of Pupil Transportation (CDPT). She is responsible for the district’s fleet of 89 buses, 113 employees and supports the management of the district’s fleet of 105 service vehicles.

An experienced educator and principal in both elementary and secondary schools, John joined the SD73 leadership team in 2018 as District Principal Human Resources. He assumed his current role in August 2022. Prior to coming to Kamloops he was the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the High Prairie School Division in Alberta.  John holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and a Master’s of Education (MEd) in Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Alberta as well as a Canadian Professional Human Resources (CPHR) affiliation.

Barb has experience serving in multiple roles as a secondary teacher and school-based leader in rural, urban, elementary and secondary schools. She began her career with SD73 in 1997 as a teacher at Logan Lake Secondary. She was the founding principal of Kamloops School of the Arts, and most recently the principal at Valleyview Secondary. Barb holds a Master of Educational Technology a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Music degrees, all from UBC.