One of the first tasks of Vancouver’s newly elected school board is complete.
On Monday, the district announced the hiring of Suzanne Hoffman as the new superintendent effective Jan. 8, 2018.
Hoffman was Langley’s superintendent from 2012 until last year, when she was seconded to the Ministry of Education as superintendent of learning transformation.
“Given my experience in the Langley School District and within the Ministry of Education, and as a parent, teacher, and administrator, I feel I bring a balanced, inspired and informed sense of perspective, and I am excited to work with everyone in Vancouver to make a difference for students,” Hoffman said in a news release.
Hoffman’s three-plus decades in the education sector began in Mission. She was a teacher in that city before moving to Langley, where she took on district administration roles beginning in 2005, first as a district principal and then as an assistant superintendent.
“The Vancouver School Board is very fortunate that our new trustees, staff and all our stakeholder groups will be working with Suzanne Hoffman, an excellent educator and administrator, to build on our district's successes and continue to improve student outcomes here in Vancouver,” VSB chairperson Janet Fraser said in a news release.
Retired North Vancouver superintendent John Lewis has served in the superintendent’s role since June. He replaced Scott Robinson, who resigned just before the school year ended.
“I am confident that Suzanne’s positive, optimistic approach and her ability to build and maintain relationships make her an ideal choice to lead the district and build a positive culture going forward,” Lewis said in a news release.
Trustees took to Twitter to welcome their newest hire.
Green Party trustee Estrellita Gonzalez wrote:
Pleased with the selection of our new Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman. We can start the year off strong. https://t.co/QpLaILnGnh
— EstrellitaGonzalez (@EstieMartin) November 20, 2017
NPA trustee Lisa Dominato added this:
I’m incredibly pleased that we are welcoming @SAHoffman as our new @VSB39 superintendent. She brings a wealth of experience, passion and authenticity. #vsb39 #bced #vanpoli https://t.co/ZNXMoAB17L
— Lisa Dominato, MA (@LisaDominato) November 20, 2017
A welcome tweet also came from the Templeton secondary school account:
Welcome @SAHoffman to @vsb39! We look forward to working with you. https://t.co/ProMEJHte7
— Templeton Secondary (@TempletonVSB39) November 20, 2017
@JohnKurucz
