The new Superintendent of Schools for Nechako Lakes School District 91 (SD 91), Anita McClinton, started her new role on Jan. 20. She has spent the past week visiting every school in the district as well as getting to know students and staff.
McClinton, who was born and raised in Northern B.C., expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Nechako Lakes team.
“I came into this role with a lot of excitement, a lot of passion, and just a sense of curiosity to see what's happening in our schools and getting to know staff and just how things are done in the Nechako Lakes,” she said.
When asked what drew her to the role, McClinton said she has admired the district for how it operates. She added that the location is also appealing.
“The running of the district to this point, and the things that it values and has in place, those resonate with me, and just the size of the communities and being able to stay in the north is good for me.”
She said that part of her transition into the role includes visiting all 14 First Nations and that it is important to have a greater understanding of the different languages, cultures and ceremonies across the district.
McClinton brings experience in educational leadership across multiple roles, including teacher, vice-principal, principal, and district-level leadership positions such as associate superintendent of human services and superintendent of schools.
She also holds a Bachelor of Science from Simon Fraser University along with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary.
She has led diverse educational initiatives, including Indigenous Education, French Programming, Career Education and Community Connections.
Once settled into her new position, McClinton says she is looking forward to working with staff to ensure the district is always improving.
“That's kind of going to be the work moving forward, is to celebrate what we are doing well, and then looking for where we can improve,” she said.
“So, just being visible, just being out there, so people can get to know me a bit and feel comfortable coming to me if there's things I need to know about.”
