School District 83 underwent a mid-year shakeup among principals, with a number of them transferring to different schools.
Following the sudden death of beloved principal Lyle Chapman on Nov. 14, Eagle River Secondary was forced to find new leadership, which was found outside the district. Darryl Smith, formerly with SD23 (Central Okanagan) stepped into the role, with the assistance of new vice principal Doug Smith, SD83's numeracy support teacher.
"This was not intentional to put two Mr. D Smiths... in the same school. That's a bit ironic and we've had a little bit of fun with that," Supt. Donna Kriger said at the Jan. 24 board meeting. "Although no one will ever fill the void that Lyle has left us with, Eagle River has a leadership team that students will thrive under."
Kriger went on to praise Darryl's student-centred, compassionate approach, and Doug who she said has "an absolute wealth" of secondary education experience.She also thanked director Reid Findlay for serving as acting principal during the interim.
Other changes include former North Shuswap principal Chris Matheson moving to fill that position at Silver Creek Elementary, with Kriger adding that his support for staff and families during the 2023 Bush Creek East wildfire was a factor in his appointment.
Matheson's absence at North Shuswap Elementary is now being filled by Duncan Hazelwood, former vice principal at Highland Park Elementary in Armstrong, with Kriger recognizing his ability to foster strong community ties and passion for student achievement.
