After a nationwide search, the Sooke School District has hired its deputy superintendent to replace the outgoing superintendent.
Paul Block will remain in his role as deputy superintendent until Dec. 31, when the current superintendent/CEO, Scott Stinson, plans to retire. Block will work alongside Stinson over the next several months to create a smooth transition.
Block has worked in the Sooke School District for over 30 years, starting as an education assistant and then a teacher on call and a summer labourer before moving into more demanding roles, the district said in a statement.
“From humble beginnings, to be here today named as the next superintendent/CEO is the honour of a lifetime,” Block said.
The board of education consulted with partner groups and representatives from First Nations in the district area to define qualities that were important in the next district leader. The board also engaged consultant Mike McKay, a well-known education leader in B.C.
“Paul is dedicated to the success of the Sooke School District,” said Amanda Dowhy, interim board chair. “He leads with compassion and will bring a tremendous amount of experience and expertise as well as strong ties to partner groups and community stakeholders that are crucial as we mature and grow as an organization.”
Stinson will retire after 37 years working in public education. He taught at the elementary, middle and secondary school levels before moving into administrative roles, such as vice-principal, principal and district principal and eventually superintendent of the Sooke School District.
