When Kim Morris takes over the books at School District 73 this spring, her first priority will be to listen and to learn from those who know the district best.

“The main thing to do when you get there is make sure you’re listening and learning from what’s already going on before we start to make any determinations or changes,” Morris, a seasoned education finance leader from northern B.C., said during a late-December press conference.

“I’m really looking forward to understanding the work and the context in the district.”

The Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education appointed Morris as the district’s next secretary-treasurer following a comprehensive search. She begins March 1.

Morris arrives from the Peace River South School District in Dawson Creek and has spent more than 15 years working as a secretary-treasurer. She has held posts in Victoria, New Westminster, Nelson, Trail and Prince Rupert, leading budget development, long-range facilities planning, capital projects and technology upgrades.

Interim secretary-treasurer Harold Cull has 13 years’ experience in his role. He said Morris has even more than that.

“Being the calm leader she is, we thought she was a great fit,” Cull said of Morris’s hiring.

Morris’s appointment comes as the district prepares for another major leadership transition. New superintendent Mike St. John begins in February, one month before Morris steps into her role. Cull and interim superintendent Mike McKay believe the district is in good hands with Morris and St. John.

“Knowing that Kim would fit in well and complement what Mike is going to bring as superintendent; it’s going to be a very powerful team that will join the executive group in supporting the board,” Cull said.

McKay echoed these sentiments, adding both Morris and St. John are really good people who have the skills, talents and strategies to be good leaders for SD73.

“In Kim’s interview, that shined through. The board was very impressed with the homework she’d done and the commitments she’d made,” said McKay.

In a press release, board chair Heather Grieve said trustees were impressed by Morris’s track record and her ability to navigate the financial and operational challenges that come with serving diverse school communities.

“She has deep experience in school district operations across B.C. and will provide strong financial leadership to support our strategic goals,” Grieve said. “Her background will help ensure our planning remains steady and sustainable.”

For her part, Morris isn’t focused on what has transpired in the district before. Instead, she’s focused on the work to come with St. John, trustees, and the district as a whole.

“So I’m not really looking in the rearview mirror too much, but definitely looking ahead, down the road,” she said.

Cull and McKay will assist in both Morris’s and St. John’s transitions into their new jobs. All four are expected to meet together sometime this month.