An unexpected shake-up at the helm of the Kamloops-Thompson School District will in no way impact the start of the school year, the district’s interim superintendent has vowed.

“When the first bus runs and the first bell rings in September the focus is on, every day, those kids feeling welcomed, engaged, challenged in the best possible way to be their best selves,” said Mike McKay.

McKay was introduced to the city’s media at a press conference in the school board office last month; mere days after it was announced he would be taking over as interim superintendent following the sudden resignation of Rhonda Nixon, who helmed the district for more than four years.

Nixon, who stepped down June 30, stated she was leaving for personal reasons despite allegations of workplace harassment by CUPE 3500, which represents school district support staff. This set in motion a flurry of activity to find someone to take over her duties until a new superintendent can be found.

Interim secretary treasurer Harold Cull, who has filled the role the last six months after the previous secretary treasurer was fired following a $2-million accounting error, put McKay’s name forward as someone who could fill Nixon’s shoes. Cull, who previously worked with McKay on several ventures, reached out to McKay personally to pitch the job.

“And here we are today,” Cull said at the press conference.

One of McKay’s key roles will be helping the school district find a permanent replacement for Nixon and a new secretary treasurer, both of whom should be in place by the end of the year. McKay is to remain in his role until Dec. 31 but that timeline is flexible if needed, he said.

The plan is to reach out internally to interested parties within the school district and to school districts across the country for candidates to fill both roles, said McKay. This process begins in September once school is back in session. McKay expects both positions to be filled by the end of October, which leaves two good months for he and Cull to help their replacements transition into the jobs.

“This [timeline] is all highly adjustable based on circumstances,” he said.

McKay has worked in several school districts and at the Ministry of Education and Child Care during his long career in education.

Although retired, he remains passionate about education and pledged to make students and staff satisfaction a top priority during his time in Kamloops.

This includes McKay and Cull meeting with all partner groups at the same table as soon as possible to address any questions and concerns, he said.

“We should be on the same path together and that is improving kids’ life chances by making sure that public education is well connected, well aligned, and that every child feels like they belong and can be successful,” said McKay.

“That’s our story. That’s why these places exist.”