After eight years at the helm of the Surrey School District, superintendent Mike McKay has announced he will retire this December.
McKay, who also serves as the district's CEO, will step down Dec. 31, with current deputy superintendent, Dr. Jordan Tinney, taking his place Jan. 1.
McKay has been head of the largest school district in B.C. since August 2005, when he moved from the Saanich School District.
"Near the end of the last school year, I discussed with the board that the timing for transition would be right this fall," said McKay in a press release. "Some key initiatives and changes have completed and the district has an excellent leadership team in place, and there is great positive momentum".
He said he looks forward to spending more time with his family, but will continue to serve with organizations that promote education in B.C. and a beyond. He'll also continue as the official trustee in Cowichan – a role to which he was named in July 2012 after the board of trustees there submitted a deficit budget and was fired by the province.
McKay will also further pursue his work with the Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative.
"Mike McKay is a passionate, effective visionary and leader for the Surrey school district, as well as an honest, compassionate statesman who is a pleasure to work with and he will be missed," said Surrey Board of Education chair Shawn Wilson. "As we move forward, our board is confident the district will be well-served by Dr. Tinney who, since coming to Surrey in 2012, has impressed trustees with the quality of his leadership and the great connections he has made in our complex, diverse and growing community."
Tinney, who previously served as deputy superintendent in Vancouver, said he's excited about his new role.
"Surrey is a quickly growing, innovative and creative district with great staff and connected partners, and I look forward to the road ahead together."