Resignation opens door to change at SD53

Okanagan Similkameen School District 53 is headed in a new direction with the planned departure of its incumbent secretary-treasurer.

The board announced March 8 that Lynda Minnabarriet would be leaving her post at the school district effective July 31.

“Lynda’s passion for public education and student success has guided our work in the district and she will be missed,” board chairwoman Marieze Tarr said in a report released Tuesday.

“We wish Lynda every success as she expands her work in School District No. 74.”

During much of her tenure at the Okanagan Similkameen district, Minnabarriet also worked in Ashcroft at the Gold Trail School District 74. She also maintains a home in the community, about 100 kilometres northwest of Merritt.

Her half-time position will be filled by Subra Paliappa, who will move his full-time role as assistant secretary-treasurer into the district’s senior financial portfolio. Paliappa’s position will not be filled, the board said.

Instead, the district plans to create a new position called director of instruction — student learning and inquiry.

According to Make A Future, Careers in B.C. Education, a director of instruction is a “multifaceted district level leadership position with a focus on educational and student services.”

Responsibilities are often established based on a district’s needs and can include student curriculum, professional development programs, special education services, specialized programs and human resources.

The director may also take on some human resources functions, including labour relations, recruitment and retention.

“Ultimately, the director of instruction’s responsibility is to work in concert with the district leadership team to lead, develop and implement initiatives supporting student success,” according to Make A Future.

The successful applicant locally would be responsible to superintendent Bev Young.

The change, which would replace 1.5 FTE administrative positions with two FTEs, comes with a nominal increase in payroll costs.

“Upon review of the strategic plan and priorities for the district, we made the decision to recruit a director of instruction for student learning and inquiry to support and lead initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for students,” said Tarr. “The cost to the district will be approximately $20,000.”

Tarr also said appointing a person to an administrative position without competition is within the board’s authority.