January 19, 2009

Two More of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in School District No. 23
The Learning Partnership and CAP announce the 2009 award winners

KELOWNA, BC: School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Principals Randy Horne and Rick Oliver have been chosen by the National Selection Committee to be two of Canada’s Outstanding Principals, a prestigious award from the Learning Partnership and the Canadian Association of Principals.  More School District No. 23 Principals have received this award than any other district in Canada.  Each year in the history of the award, at least one Principal from this District has won.

With 19 years of experience in education, including 10 years in the role of Principal, Rick Oliver is pleased to receive this award and quick to note that it was made possible through collaborative efforts.  “It is my belief that the entire Rutland Senior Secondary (RSS) community deserves this award,” says Rick.  “An incredible staff, involved parents, and a supportive community have all come together to ensure that each and every student can be successful and achieve excellence while attending Rutland Senior and in the transition beyond secondary school.  This partnership has enabled some of the most innovative programs in the country to be developed as opportunities for the students of SD No. 23—all in the supportive environment of RSS.”

“It is a tremendous honour for me to have been nominated by my colleagues and to receive recognition from The Learning Partnership and the Canadian Association of Principals.  I wish to thank all those who came together to nominate me for this award.   I also want to thank the many staff members, parents, community partners, and students that I have had the priviledge of working with and learning from over the years.”

Rick Oliver was Principal at RSS in the 2007/2008 school year then began a short-term project with the Ministry of Education.  He is looking forward to beginning his new position as District Principal of International Education. 

Randy Horne has 17 years of experience in education including five years as Vice-Principal and six years as Principal.  In the 2007/2008 school year, he completed his term as Principal at Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM).  “I had the privilege of working with outstanding educators and parents while at OKM and am very proud of the work we did,” says Randy.  “Receiving this award is a reflection of the collaborative efforts the OKM community in improving academic achievement and creating tremendous opportunities for students.  I am looking forward to the 5-day professional development session included with this award.”

“I would like to congratulate my colleague Rick Oliver on being chosen for this award.  I would like to thank those who nominated me and those who offered their supportive involvement in the process. “

The Canada’s Outstanding Principals (COP) program is in its 5th year and this year’s 31 winners will join the assembly of more than 120 previous recipients of this prestigious honour.  The award is an initiative of The Learning Partnership, a national not-for-profit organization that has championed public education in Canada since 1993.

Winners of this award are those who have “made a measurable difference in the lives of their students and their own local communities,” according to the Learning Partnership.  “They help ensure that Canada’s young people continue to receive a quality education.”

The winners will be inducted into the National Academy of Principals at a gala dinner in Toronto and attend a 5-day Executive Leadership Training Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management in February.

Approved by the Superintendent on January 19, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Randy Horne, currently on leave; formerly at OKM, (250) 215-1441

Rick Oliver, District Principal of International Education, (250) 860-9729 ext. 4186

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information: please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.