School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) announced today that the following school principal and vice-principal transfers and appointments for the 2024-2025 school year effective August 1, 2024:  

Danielle Klassen appointed to lead Brent Kennedy Elementary School 

Danielle Klassen is currently the interim principal of Brent Kennedy Elementary and has served as vice-principal of Trafalgar and L.V. Rogers Secondary since 2021. Principal Klassen has taught intermediate and middle school grades since 2015. She assumes the principal role from Principal Jennifer Kooznetsoff who has been appointed principal of W.E. Graham Community School in the Village of Slocan.

Andre McDowell hired to lead Winlaw Elementary School

Principal Andre McDowell has been hired by SD8 to lead Winlaw Elementary School. Principal McDowell has served as principal of Tahltan School in School District No. 67 (Stikine) since 2021, vice-principal since 2019, and a teacher since 2015. He will take over from Principal Monica Doyle who is retiring in 2024. Principal Doyle has served as a school leader for nine years in SD8, four of those at Winlaw Elementary, and she has taught in SD8 since 1986. 

Darryl Adams appointed to lead Kootenay River Secondary School

Principal Darryl Adams has been appointed principal of Kootenay River Secondary after serving as principal of Adam Robertson Elementary since 2021. Principal Adams has been in a school leadership role in SD8 since 2017 and has taught since 2008.  

“Congratulations to each of our school leaders on their new roles in our district. SD8 is well-served by strong school leadership that is integral to the success of all educators and staff and to the success of students across our district,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.

School leader openings for vice-principal at Trafalgar Middle School and principal at Adam Robertson Elementary will be filled in the coming months and changes announced before the next school year begins.