Two promotions have been made in the superintendent’s office at the Kamloops-Thompson School District.

The board of education has appointed Grant Reilly as the new assistant superintendent of elementary schools and early learning, and Vessy Mochikas has been appointed as assistant superintendent of inclusive education.

Reilly takes over for Trish Smillie, who recently left her position in Kamloops to take over the superintendent job of the Kootenay Lakes School District, based in Nelson.

Going forward, Reilly’s role now encompasses early learning. The school district says the B.C. government’s early learning framework now covers programs for children from infants to age eight, and was previously from infancy to age five.

The school district says Reilly has 21 years of educator experience, in Kamloops, Savona, Ashcroft and Lytton, where he’s served in many different roles.

The promotion for Mochikas is to a newly-created position for inclusive education. “Although the District has made great strides in meeting the diverse needs of students and in achieving parity for Aboriginal students, this change will ensure continued progress in achieving equity and excellence for all students,” the school district said.

Mochikas has 25 years of teaching experience, and has served until now as director of instruction for elementary learning.

Both Reilly and Mochikas will start in their new roles next month.

“I am looking forward to working with Ms. Mochikas and Mr. Reilly who will each bring new ideas and energy into an already exceptional school and district leadership culture in SD73,” superintendent Rhonda Nixon says.