School District 27 (SD 27) staff member Grant Gustafson is expanding his role to help the district transition with the parting of former director of instruction Anita Richardson.
“We’re being thoughtful about decisions to minimize disruption to reorganize our staffing for the long-term,” said Cheryl Lenardon, superintendent of SD 27 at the Jan. 27 board of education meeting in Williams Lake.
Citing his exceptional leadership in his time as district principal leading Indigenous education, Lenardon said the decision to expand Gustafson’s role to director of instruction made “instance sense.”
“He will also have some additional responsibilities and we’re working through that as a team how we’re going to share the roles out between us,” Lenardon said.
In an email to Efteen, Lenardon said Gustafson’s tasks will vary as the needs and focuses of the district evolve.
Dancing Water Sandy, former vice-principal of Marie Sharpe Elementary school, has been reassigned to the district office and will be supporting Gustafson and the work of the Indigenous Education department.
“Dancing Water’s extensive knowledge and relationships will enhance local First Nations learning for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students,” Lenardon wrote.
Sandy’s work will include supervising the instruction at Nenqayni Wellness Centre and supporting the First Nations language teachers. Her former position at the elementary school has been staffed.
Anita Richardson moved to the Nechako Lakes School District which encompasses Takla Landing, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake, where she is now working as superintendent.
