John Lewis, Superintendent
Profile
John Lewis
Superintendent of Schools & Chief Executive Officer
North Vancouver School District
It’s in the balance between “traditional” and “innovative”
that we find our success.—John Lewis
In a community that places a high value on education, recreation, social and environmental responsibility, a leader with a strong background in teaching, administration and senior management is essential. As superintendent for the North Vancouver School District, John Lewis brings a range of experience as teacher, principal, facilities director, administrator, coach and parent to overseeing the direction, performance and accountability of “the natural place to learn”.
Responsible for guiding the School District through decision-making that supports and broadens educational opportunities for students, John provides leadership to the North VancouverSchool Districtexecutive team and builds strong relationships with partner groups. Reporting to the Board of Education, John’s responsibilities combine overseeing the educational, operational, and financial management of the School Districtwith a strong commitment to transformational change.
John graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1979 as the recipient of the BCTF Maxwell A. Cameron Medal as the outstanding student in the graduating class in an Elementary Teacher Education program in British Columbia. Ten years later, he earned a Masters of Education from the University of British Columbia. In 1993, John received the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal for community service and has continued to serve on advisory committees for a variety of educational and athletic associations throughout the course of his career.
John began his teaching career at Capilano Elementary inNorth Vancouver. He joined the staff of Norgate Elementary in 1983, became vice principal of Canyon Heights Elementary a year later and returned to Capilano as principal in 1987. From 1990 to 1998, John served as principal of Cleveland Elementary before accepting the position of Director, Facilities and Planning for the North Vancouver School District. John’s understanding of the connection between learning environments and student success advanced through the years, prior to his appointment as superintendent and continues to inform his concerns for capital planning for the School District.
The sixth of seven children raised in a modest home in East Vancouver, John learned from an early age the values of cooperation, sharing and waiting your turn. As a student, John learned to create a balance between his academic, social and athletic interests that he has maintained throughout his professional life. He began coaching while still in high school and quickly came to realize that successful teams grew out of a spirit of “looking out for each other” and the value of relationships built on the lacrosse floor or on the basketball court.
The North Vancouver School District is comprised of 25 elementary and 6 secondary schools, a variety of alternate learning programs and an experiential outdoor education centre.
