There’s someone new at the helm of the New Westminster school district.
The school board announced Wednesday that current associate superintendent Karim Hachlaf has been hired as the new superintendent of the New Westminster school district.
Hachlaf takes over from interim superintendent Bev Rundell, who has been in the role since January following the retirement of former superintendent Pat Duncan in December.
Hachlaf will officially take over on April 1.
“We are thrilled to see Karim take our district to the next level at this particularly exciting time in the history of New Westminster schools,” said board of education chair Mark Gifford in a press release. “Although the board was impressed by the excellent quality of candidates who stepped forward following a Canada-wide search by PFM Executive Search, Mr. Hachlaf proved himself to be an outstanding contender and the best fit for the district in moving forward.”
Hachlaf got the job following a unanimous decision by school trustees, according to the release.
Hachlaf was hired in New Westminster last August as associate superintendent, replacing outgoing associate superintendent Janet Grant. Before joining the local school district, Hachlaf spent more than 17 years as a teacher, counsellor, district administrator, vice-principal and principal in the District of North Vancouver.
“We have been impressed by Karim’s commitment to New Westminster, the work ethic that he’s demonstrated, and his vision of educational leadership. Even in his short time here, he’s shown an impressive ability to build positive relationships with all of our stakeholder groups – from dedicated principals, vice-principals, teachers and staff to students and families who haven’t always felt heard,” Gifford said.
More change coming
Hachlaf isn’t the only one getting a new job this spring.
Secretary-treasurer Kevin Lorenz is leaving New Westminster for a position with the Okanagan-Skaha school district. He will take over as secretary-treasurer after the retirement of Okanagan-Skaha secretary-treasurer Bonnie Roller-Routley.
Lorenz’s final day with the New Westminster school district is May 31.
While school districts are required to complete their preliminary budgets for the following school year in June, Gifford said Lorenz’s departure won’t impact the process.
“Kevin’s been very supportive, and his team has been very involved through the budgeting piece so we’re not concerned. We don’t want big lags, but the budget is in great shape,” he told the Record.
Lorenz worked for the Vernon school district as associate secretary-treasurer before being hired in New Westminster in 2014 as assistant secretary-treasurer to replace outgoing director of finance Sheldon Lee.
He became secretary-treasurer later that same year following Al Balanuik’s departure.
