SD 20 superintendent says retirement not related to recent controversy
By Kyra Hoggan
The controversial “Planning for the Future” process was not a factor in the recently-announced retirement of School District 20 (SD 20) superintendent Jean Borsa, she told The Source in an interview Friday.
In fact, Borsa said, this retirement date (July 31, 2011) was essentially set when she originally took the job almost five years ago.
“When I first came to this district, they asked me for a five-year commitment,” she explained. “My husband asked for a five-year commitment, too – that I’d retire in five years.”
She said she’s not yet thinking about what retirement will look like for her – there’s enough to occupy her mind in the interim.
“Life is busy and there’s work to be done,” she said. “I’ll have plenty of time to think about it when the time comes.”
She did say, though, that a move doesn’t appear to be in her future.
“We love the area, we love the community – we plan to stay here,” she said.
As for the Planning for the Future document and subsequent political firestorm, she said she finds the community involvement “challenging but invigorating”.
“It’s difficult, but also inspiring,” she said. “The reason it’s difficult is that there’s more than one right answer. The inspiring part is the consultation process; talking to everyone, finding out what people want and expect, looking at it from as many angles as we can, examining all the options – it’s too important not to be going through all that.”
Borsa moved to the community from Kamloops where she was Assistant Superintendent with SD73 (Kamloops/Thomson). Prior to her nine years with SD 73, Borsa taught and later held both school-based and district level administrative positions with SD 75 (Mission).
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with the dedicated staff and trustees of the district”, said Borsa. “They give so much of themselves to ensure our students have a safe, supportive and caring environment in which to learn and grow. I am proud that staff in our district are lifelong learners continually striving for excellence while also preparing our youth for the future.”
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I wish Jean all the very best in her retirement”, said Gordon Smith, Chairperson of the Board of Education. “Under Superintendent Borsa’s leadership and direction our district provides high quality, student-centred learning opportunities. Her commitment and dedication to the staff, parents and children of our region has been outstanding. She has the district well positioned to take on the new challenges of providing excellent 21st century learning. ”
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