SD42 selects new superintendent

Current Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District No. 42 Deputy Superintendent Harry Dhillon has been selected for the top job of Superintendent of Schools.

Dhillon, who has been with the district for more than 32 years, will take over for Superintendent Sylvia Russell, who is retiring on Jan. 31, 2021.

“I am proud to serve this incredible community in which I have lived much of my adult life and where I have spent my career,” said Dhillon, who holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University.

Dhillon started with School District No. 42 in 1988, teaching Grade 7 at Glenwood Elementary. Over the course of his career, he has taught kindergarten to Grade 10 and served as both principal and vice principal of several elementary schools. He has also served in a number of senior district leadership roles, including as district principal and acting director of human resources, director of instruction overseeing learning services, and assistant superintendent.

The breadth of Dhillon’s work in the school district over the years is impressive, ranging from leading the development of key policies in consultation with partner agencies to supporting mentorship and cross-professional collaboration at many levels of the organization.

More recently as deputy superintendent, Dhillon has helped lead the implementation of the restored MRTA collective agreement language, served as mentor and advisor for human resources leadership staff, and led key aspects of the district’s COVID-19 safety and educational program planning.

“I strive to apply sound knowledge and a strong skillset to every task I undertake,” he said. “I am deeply committed to this school district and am confident that my experience and strong relationships with staff and the community will serve us well as we work together to navigate through this unusual time.”

Board Chairperson Korleen Carreras welcomed Dhillon to his new role, noting that his dedication to the school district, his passion for the work, and his thorough understanding of the organization at every level made him an excellent choice to lead the district.

“Harry has served in a wide range of teaching and leadership roles over the course of his career in public education,” Carreras said. “The depth and breadth of his experience with our school district is truly remarkable. I know I speak on behalf of the Board of Education when I say we feel very fortunate to have him.”