Big staffing shuffle at Revelstoke School District

The Revelstoke School District announced a series of staffing changes on June 16. The changes are largely prompted by retirements then ensuing promotions and redistribution of staff. Here is more from a media release distributed by the district today:

The Board of Education of School District No. 19 (Revelstoke) wishes to advise of the following staffing changes for the 2016/2017 school year:

Secretary Treasurer

The Board is pleased to confirm that Mr. James Richards has accepted the position of Secretary Treasurer effective July 3rd, 2016. Mr. Richards was Director of Finance for Palliser Regional Schools in Alberta for six years, and most recently served for three years as Director of Finance in Chilliwack School District No. 33. Mr. Richards holds a degree in Management and a Chartered Accountant Designation.

The Board is appreciative of the work that Mr. Bruce Tisdale has done for the district during the past 2 and 1/2 years and wishes him all the best in his retirement.

District Principal, Support Services

Ariel McDowell, currently the Principal of Columbia Park Elementary School has been appointed to the position of District Principal, Support Services due to the retirement of Mr. Nian Zhu. Ms. McDowell has been the Principal of Columbia Park Elementary School since March of 2011 and District Principal, Aboriginal Education since 2014. A committed advocate for student services and special education programs, Ms. McDowell holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and will bring to her new role her knowledge, passion, energy and enthusiasm.

Revelstoke Secondary School

Mrs. Jodi Wallach, currently a counselor at Revelstoke Secondary School, has been appointed to the position of Vice Principal of Revelstoke Secondary School. Mrs. Wallach began her career at Revelstoke Secondary School in 1995 as a Math 8 – 12 teacher and in 1998 began working as a School Counsellor receiving her Masters of Education in Counselling from UVic in 2002. Mrs. Wallach, in her role in the counseling department and as the team leader for support services, has been a large part of creating such an outstanding school environment at Revelstoke Secondary School.

Arrow Heights Elementary School

Ms. Rita Tedesco is returning to Revelstoke to accept her appointment as the Principal of Arrow Heights Elementary School. Ms. Tedesco began her teaching career in Revelstoke in 1997 and is moving back to Revelstoke from Vernon where she has been working for the past 10 years as both an elementary teacher and vice-principal. Ms. Tedesco completed her Master’s Degree in Education Leadership in 2004 and brings with her an enthusiasm for education, a passion for the pursuit of student health and happiness, and a love of teaching.

Begbie View Elementary School

Mr. Todd Hicks, currently Principal of Arrow Heights Elementary School, has been appointed Principal of Begbie View Elementary School due to the retirement of current Principal, Mrs. Yanping Wang. Mr. Hicks began his teaching career in Revelstoke in 1985, was Vice Principal at Revelstoke Secondary School for 7 years, and completed a Masters of Education in 1996. During the past 8 years as Principal at Arrow Heights Elementary School, Mr. Hicks has provided leadership to the district in the areas of technology, and district wide elementary programs. Mr. Hicks’ experience and skills are well aligned with the direction of Begbie View Elementary School staff, students and parent community.

Columbia Park Elementary School

Mr. Andy Pfeiffer, currently the Vice-Principal of Revelstoke Secondary School, has been appointed Principal of Columbia Park Elementary School. He began his teaching career at Revelstoke Secondary School in 1991 and for the past 8 years has served as Vice Principal. He recently completed a Masters in Education Degree and has provided outstanding leadership in the English Department, Athletics and to Revelstoke Secondary School as a whole for 25 years. Although, the staff, students and parent community at Revelstoke Secondary School will miss him, the Columbia Park Elementary School community will benefit from his energy and enthusiasm.