The lucrative international education program offered by School District 48 now has a new manager.
Howe Sound School District board chair Doug Hackett announced on Tuesday (Nov. 15) that Sally Thompson-Stacey was hired by the school district to take on the job.
Thompson-Stacey most recently worked as a director with the Worldwide Language Institute in Vancouver. Her experience before that included a stint at the Bow Valley College in Alberta and more recently positions with Columbia College and the YMCA International College in Vancouver.
The new manager at the school board has 20 years of experience in the field of international education, including 14 years promoting programs in Canada to potential students in Asia, Latin America and Europe.
"We have high expectations for our international education program," said Hackett. "Not only is it an important source of supplementary funding which allows the board to enrich district educational programs and services, it also provides our students with culturally enriching experiences to prepare them for living and working in a global environment."
At a special candidates' meeting hosted by The Chief on Monday (Nov. 14), Hackett said the new manager will work with district principal Mike Weeks over the next few months. According to Hackett, Weeks is approaching retirement and once Weeks retires the new manager will take over the department. Hackett described the cross over between Weeks and the new manager as succession planning.
A four-member selection panel conducted the process that led to the hiring of Thompson-Stacey. The panel unanimously recommended the successful candidate.
According to a news release from the school district, a number of qualified applicants wanted the job but Thompson-Stacey was strong in all the required areas of the job requirements.
"We are very pleased to have someone of Ms. Thompson-Stacey's calibre join our international education team," said Nancy Edwards, the secretary treasurer with the Howe Sound School District. "She has had direct experience in all the key management functions and therefore a very clear idea of the scope of the position. As well, she has a track record of success in a highly competitive arena."Thompson-Stacey has a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, a Certificate of teaching English as a Second Language and a Diploma in Teaching. She is currently working toward a Masters of Education degree at the University of British Columbia.jfrench@squamishchief.com
