District Principal - Student Transitions

District Principal – Student Transitions

It is acknowledged that Central Okanagan Public Schools operates within the unceded, Traditional Territory of the Okanagan Syilx peoples. The School District enrolls approximately 26,000 students (including approximately 3,050 students who self-identify as having Indigenous ancestry. Central Okanagan Public Schools is located in the Central Okanagan encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country. There are 50 school sites with 32 Elementary Schools, 8 Middle schools, 5 Secondary Schools, 3 Learning Centres, an Alternate Education School, and an Online Learning School (6-12). Central Okanagan Public Schools has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding, student-centered programs in a diverse and inclusive environment as well as offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students and staff. We believe equity empowers each learner to thrive, holistically.

Central Okanagan Public Schools is seeking a visionary educational leader to serve as District Principal – Student Transitions, effective July 1, 2026. Reporting to the Director of Instruction – Student Equity, Transitions, Learning Pathways and School Experience, the successful candidate will lead the innovation and transformation of career learning opportunities and student transition pathways across the district. This leadership role will focus on supporting students to explore their identities, aspirations, and futures, and on building a coherent K–12 system that supports students in developing the competencies, experiences, and confidence needed to navigate an evolving world. The successful candidate will work alongside school leaders, career coordinators, community partners, and post-secondary institutions to create future-focused career exploration and learning pathways that align with the British Columbia Ministry of Education's vision for the Educated Citizen guided by the District's priority to enhance student agency and meaningful learning.

Key Areas of Leadership:

• Student Transitions and Pathways - Lead a district vision that supports students in navigating key transitions from middle to secondary school and from secondary school to post-secondary education, employment, and life beyond graduation including:
• Developing innovative career exploration and transition pathways aligned with MOECC vision of the Educated Citizen
• Strengthening supports to help students discover who they are becoming and what futures they aspire to pursue
• Expanding flexible learning, including blended and alternative pathways that support graduation success
• Leveraging and supervising eSchool23 as a responsive online program supporting students in flexible learning
• Career Development Learning - Lead a district approach to career development learning that is inquiry-driven, experiential, and connected to real-world opportunities. Working with school leadership teams and Career Education teachers, the successful candidate will:
• Support innovative delivery of Career-Life Education (CLE), Career-Life Connections (CLC), and Capstone
• Strengthen career exploration through inquiry, helping students examine their interests, identities, and aspirations
• Build teacher capacity to integrate career awareness and future-focused learning across subject areas
• Foster student agency and reflection through authentic learning experiences connected to real-world challenges and possibilities
• Experiential Learning Opportunities - Foster partnerships that connect classroom learning with authentic experiences in the community and workplace. This includes expanding opportunities such as:
• Job shadowing and career exploration placements
• Dual credit programs with post-secondary institutions
• Secondary school apprenticeships in skilled trades
• Industry mentorship and experiential learning
• Emerging micro-credential opportunities connected to curriculum learning
• Equity in Career Pathways – Ensure all students have equitable access to meaningful career exploration and transition opportunities. This will involve strengthening partnerships with community organizations, Indigenous partners, and industry mentors to ensure students experience inclusive and culturally responsive pathways. Attention will be given to support:
• Indigenous students
• Students with diverse abilities
• First-generation post-secondary students
• Students historically underrepresented in various career pathways

• Engaging Student Voice and Continuous Improvement - Develop systems to gather meaningful feedback from both current students and graduates in order to continuously improve career and transition programs. This will include using data and voice to inform innovation and program improvement.

• Inspires others through vision, collaboration, and innovation
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to student agency, equity, and inclusive learning environments
• Possesses deep understanding of career education, experiential learning, and future-focused pathways
• Builds strong partnerships with post-secondary institutions, community organizations, and industry
• Supports educators to design engaging, real-world learning experiences
• Leads through inquiry, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Communicates effectively and builds strong relationships across schools and communities

The successful candidate must:

• Hold Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch certification;
• Have received a master's degree from a recognized university in a related field;
• Minimum of five years teaching experience and a minimum of five years recent Principal experience with a focus on inclusive and careers practices.
• Display strong interpersonal skills and highly effective communication skills;
• Possess highly developed knowledge and skills to lead teams to integrate learning technologies that support teacher pedagogy and enhance student learning.
• Work collaboratively with at all grade levels K-12 and with other specific assigned duties

The annual salary range for this position is $157,240 to 165,664, plus a competitive benefits package.

Please apply online at Make a Future. Include a letter of application, complete with a comprehensive resume (include your phone number and email address), copies of supporting documents, and the names of three references by 12:00 p.m. (noon), Monday , April 10 , 2026.

Bob McEwen

Executive Director of Human Resources

Central Okanagan Public Schools