The Burnaby school district has a new boss.
Karim Hachlaf officially took over as CEO of the Burnaby school district on April 1 after retiring superintendent Gina Niccoli-Moen's last day in office on March 31.
Hachlaf's first move was to go to every workstation at district headquarters and introduce himself to each staff member at their desk, according to a school district news release.
"I've very much enjoyed the chance to connect with people, as I've begun my new role in Burnaby," he said in the release. "It's clear to me that people here are passionate about public education and creating a positive impact for all students."
Hachlaf, who started his education career in 1999 as a Phys. Ed. and socials studies teacher in North Vancouver before moving into administration, comes to Burnaby from the New Westminster school district, where he has served as superintendent since 2018.
But Hachlaf isn't new to Burnaby schools.
A longtime Burnaby resident and a father of three, he has experience as a parent in the district.
Over the coming months, he'll be getting up to speed on the view from the top, according to the release.
"I'll be visiting as many schools as I can before the end of the school year," he said. "I look forward to the opportunity to meet more staff, talk with students, parents, partners, and see more of what makes the Burnaby school district such an amazing place to work and learn."
Hachlaf joins the district during budget preparations for the coming school year and as the school board works on a new strategic plan to guide the district's work in the coming years.
Hachlaf holds bachelor’s degrees in education and human kinetics and a master’s degree in education, administration and leadership, all from UBC.
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