New Westminster Schools is bringing a temporary superintendent on board until it finds a more permanent replacement for the top job in the district.
The school district has announced Sylvia Russell will join its team as interim superintendent on April 1. She will take over on that date from Karim Hachlaf, the district’s current CEO, when he joins Burnaby Schools as its new superintendent.
“We’re pleased to have Sylvia anchor our district through this important time while we recruit a permanent superintendent,” Maya Russell, chair for the board of education, said in a letter to parents, guardians and caregivers. “Her track record providing interim leadership and mentoring superintendents will give our staff the support and guidance they need while we take the time for a strong superintendent selection process.”
An experienced educator, Russell served as superintendent of schools for School District No.42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) for six years before retiring in January 2021 after a 38-year career in the B.C. public education system.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity to join New Westminster Schools,” Russell said in the letter. “I’m looking forward to working with the board of education and my new colleagues in School District 40 to meet the needs of students, parents, guardians and caregivers in the New Westminster community.”
According to New West Schools, Russell remains active in retirement; she continues to assist school district leaders as an educational consultant and belongs to a small team of retired educational leaders that provides mentorship support to newly appointed district leaders and superintendents on behalf of the British Columbia School Superintendents’ Association.
“New Westminster Schools is thrilled to have Sylvia on board,” Russell said in the letter. “Her wealth of experience and knowledge will be tremendous boons to the district. Please join us in welcoming her to the New Westminster educational community.”
Russell previously served as acting superintendent of the North Vancouver School District when its superintendent left to take on the role of superintendent of the Surrey School District.
In December, the school board announced that Hachlaf had been selected as the new superintendent in the Burnaby school district, beginning April 1, 2024. The board has engaged a recruitment firm to begin a search inside and outside B.C.
“Sylvia is a great addition to our team,” Hachlaf said in the Jan. 23 letter. “Her credentials and passion in public education mean New Westminster Schools is in good hands.”
