Langley Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Hoffman has accepted a position with the B.C. Ministry of Education.
The popular district leader will join a team of field-based educators, dedicated to working with school districts around the province on the three-year implementation of the new B.C. curriculum.
Hoffman’s secondment is for a two-year period, commencing May 1. She will be in transition through May and June, while completing current projects in the district, including consultation about the proposed catchment changes on the Willoughby slope.
Effective May 1, assistant superintendent Gord Stewart, who has 27 years of experience in the district, will be appointed acting superintendent of schools.
A search to select his replacement as assistant superintendent will commence soon.
“The board is very grateful for the significant leadership Suzanne has provided to the district over the past four years,” said Board of Education chair Robert McFarlane.
“Her dedication and her collaborative, inclusive and caring style have created a true sense of ‘community’ in our district and we thank her for that and wish her all the best in her secondment.”
Hoffman took on the position of superintendent as the school district was paying off a large deficit that had been caused by human error. It was also a time when the public’s trust in the district leadership was not strong, amid controversial changes to H.D. Stafford from a high school to a middle school as well as some school closures.
Hoffman focused on full transparency and public consultation in all changes within the district.