The Board of Education for School District 27 announced Wednesday that it has hired a successful candidate for the position of Superintendent of Schools.
Chris van der Mark will be joining the District this spring from the Bulkley Valley where has served as Superintendent for School District 54 for the past eight years.
“I’m so happy that he’s willing to join our District and lead this District into the future and give our kids a great chance to thrive,” said Board Willow MacDonald.
“He coaches the high school girls basketball team and has been doing that since they were in grade seven. They’re now graduating and he’s committing to staying there in Smithers until the end of their season, and I can’t think of anything more integrous than that.”
The Board according to interim superintendent Diane Wright received applications from a number of strong candidates but chose to move forward with van Der Mark based on his demonstrated leadership capabilities, broad understanding of the B.C. Education Plan, commitment to fiscal responsibility and good governance, and focus on improving student outcomes.
van der Mark has also held leadership positions as the assistant superintendent and as a secondary school administrator.
He brings with him more than 23 years of experience.