Sooke School District 62 has announced its next superintendent after two months of searching.
 
Current deputy superintendent Paul Block will move into the superintendent and CEO role effective 1 Jan 2024 as current superintendent Scott Stinson has announced he will be retiring from the role at the end of 2023.
 
The Sooke School District Board of Education launched the nationwide search for a new superintendent on 1 May 2023 which was led by the board's personnel committee and aided by consultant Mike McKay.
 
Partner groups and First Nations in the district area were also involved in the recruitment process, providing their thoughts on what attributes and abilities were important for them in the next district leader.
 
"Paul is dedicated to the success of the Sooke School District. He leads with compassion and will bring a tremendous amount of experience and expertise as well as strong ties to partner groups and community stakeholders that are crucial as we mature and grow as an organization," said Amanda Dowhy, interim board chair, in a news release.
 
Block started his education career 30 years ago as an education assistant before moving on to teaching and summer facilities work, and eventually up in management roles.
 
"For me, it is a testament to the strength of connection the Sooke School District has with its staff. My story is evidence of the district's investment in their people, and by extension, the greater community. From humble beginnings, to be here today named as the next superintendent and CEO is the honour of a lifetime. Without missing a beat in transition, we will continue the work of making good things happen for our students, staff, parents, and community with every interaction being an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students," said Paul Block.
 
Justin Samanski-Langille.