ADMINISTRATIVE VACANCY PRINCIPALSHIP – DAVID HOY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Start Date: August 1, 2026

Position: 1.0 FTE Continuing

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026, or until filled Location: Fort St. James, BC

Nechako Lakes School District gratefully acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the unceded, ancestral territories of fourteen First Nations representing the Dakelh, Nedut'en and Wet'suwet'en peoples. We are working diligently towards creating equity for our learners through conscious acts of Reconciliation.

The School District:

We serve 2,825 students in our standard schools and an additional 900 FTEs at EBUS Academy, one of the largest online schools in British Columbia. Our region has affordable housing, welcoming communities, and a lower cost of living than in many other regions. Come and enjoy over 200 lakes, rivers and streams and an abundance of outdoor recreation at your doorstep.

The Community:

Situated on the shores of Stuart Lake, one of British Columbia's largest natural lakes. Fort St. James is known for exceptional fishing, boating, paddling, and lakeside recreation throughout the summer months. The surrounding mountains and forests provide outstanding opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. In winter, Fort St. James becomes a destination for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. The town boasts the only downhill ski area in the school district region.

Fort St. James and the surrounding region offer a remarkable blend of rich Indigenous culture, outdoor adventure, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

The region is home to several First Nations whose history, culture, and economic leadership shape the identity of the community. These include:

• Nak'azdli Whut'en
• Tl'azt'en Nation
• Yekooche First Nation
• Binche Whut'en

Together, these Nations contribute to the cultural richness, language revitalization, and economic development of the area.

Fort St. James serves a population of approximately 4,000 people and acts as a service hub for Stuart Lake region. The community offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, cafés, retail stores, recreation facilities, and a new modern hospital. With its welcoming atmosphere, strong sense of community, and access to year-round outdoor activities, Fort St. James is an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

The Position:

The successful candidate will be a student-focused and community-minded leader who values connection, visibility, and hands-on involvement in daily school life. They understand the unique strengths and challenges of a small rural school and lead with flexibility, care, and practical problem-solving. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the role requires regular collaboration with families and the broader community.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is an outstanding leader with a visionary and innovative approach, with students at the center of decision-making. They are compassionate listeners with a proven track record in public school leadership. Proficient in current learning theories, they advocate for lifelong learning and maintain strong interpersonal and communication skills. Their consultative leadership style is characterized by effective decision-making and collaboration with the school and broader community. Committed to excellence, diversity, Truth and Reconciliation, they actively contribute to continuous improvement in all aspects of the school community. As a valued administrative team member, they demonstrate dedication, compassion, technological proficiency, and a deep understanding of education, emphasizing a safe and caring school environment through positive relationships.

Qualifications and Abilities:

• Completed or working on a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Valid BC Teacher Certification or ability to obtain
• Demonstrated ability as an effective instructional leader with successful administrative experience
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, First Nations and the broader community to enhance student achievement
• Awareness and sensitivity to current educational issues, reflective professional practice, and commitment to the goals of the BC Education system
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data to inform school planning, instruction, and learning
• Demonstrated knowledge of current research in instructional practices related to effective literacy and numeracy instruction
• Commitment to implementing the goals and objectives of the District food initiatives led by the District's Food Program Manager
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective behaviour support and practices
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive education and current teaching strategies and programs to support learning for students with diverse needs
• Demonstrated team-building ability to support and strengthen teaching and learning practices that focus on effective literacy, numeracy and cognitive development
• Demonstrated knowledge of current assessment and reporting strategies and practices in BC
• Demonstrated ability in developing and implementing strategic school planning that aligns with the strategic goals of the Ministry and the District
• Commitment to school/community involvement and collaboration
• Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous culture and learning, as well as a successful history of building positive and meaningful relationships that focus on student success
• Knowledge of school contractual and budgetary matters
• Working knowledge of Office 365, MyEdBC and various technological platforms

Equity:

• Demonstrated commitment to the BC Human Rights Code and experience in creating inclusive, safe, and equitable environments that uphold the rights and dignity of all members of the school community
• Demonstrated commitment to the elimination of gaps in student achievement outcomes for all learners and the elimination of all forms of racism and discrimination

Truth and Reconciliation:

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, learning, and awareness of cultural humility for local Indigenous histories, traditions, and ways of being
• Possess the requisite skills to align professional practices and initiatives consistent with the calls to action under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Board's Strategic Plan

David Hoy Elementary (K-7):

• Approximately 200 students; 52% Indigenous ancestry; 27 teaching and non-teaching staff members
• An active, involved community and Parent Advisory Council to support student learning and well-being

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is determined by the BC Public Service Employer Association (BCPSEA). Placement on the salary range is dependent on qualifications and experience.

• Current salary range: $154,277 – $163,010
• Moving reimbursement allowance
• Recruitment & retention monthly allowance
• Excellent benefits based on the provincial exempt package
• Salary grid improvements may be approved by BCPSEA for the 2026-27 school year.

Qualified candidates should forward their application, including resumé, cover letter, and three current professional, supervisory references to:

Heather Silver, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

School District 91 (Nechako Lakes) - P.O. Box 129, Vanderhoof, BC, V0J 3A0

Phone : (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639

E-Mail

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Search pursuant to BC's Criminal Records Review Act, which will be subject to review by the Nechako Lakes School District.