The Burnaby school board searched Canada-wide for a new superintendent and picked one from right next door.
Karim Hachlaf, who has been the superintendent of the New Westminster school district since 2018, will be the Burnaby school district's new CEO effective April 1, 2024, according to a school district news release Monday.
Burnaby's current superintendent, Gina Niccoli-Moen, will step down at the end of March.
Hachlaf, who holds a master's degree in education and bachelor's degrees in education and human kinetics, all from UBC, started his teaching career in the North Vancouver school district in 1999.
He took on various leadership positions in North Van before going to New West in 2017 as an associate superintendent.
As a long-time Burnaby resident with kids attending Burnaby schools, he said he is "excited and honoured" to be taking on the superintendent's role here.
"I am looking forward to building on the district's current successes and collaborating with students, staff, parents and the community as we work together to shape the future," he said in the release.
Hachlaf was chosen after a national search and interview process that included the district student advisory council for the first time.
"Karim has an exceptional track record as a proven leader, and he has the skills to build upon what makes the Burnaby school district such a great place to learn and work," Burnaby Board of Education chair Bill Brassington said in the release.
"Karim has a strong commitment to Reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion that guides his work. We are confident his leadership will enrich the Burnaby school district's ongoing commitment to inclusive education and the success of all our students."
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
Email [email protected]
