The current year isn’t even over yet, but Red River Valley School Division is poised to make a key hire for the 2012-13 school year.

The school division recently announced that Morris School principal Daren Skog has been hired as assistant superintendent effective Aug. 1. He will succeed former assistant superintendent Pauline Lafond-Bouchard, who was appointed CEO and superintendent of the division earlier this year.

"I am very excited about the opportunity that I have been given and the experiences that lay ahead," he said.

"I am looking forward to serving all of the schools, communities and students of Red River Valley School Division to provide the highest quality of education possible."

Skog said he is looking forward to his upcoming assignment as he and Lafond-Bouchard will both bring fresh perspectives to their new roles.

"We have an exciting opportunity with a new leadership team because it gives you a chance to look at new initiatives and try new ideas and maybe move some things forward," he said. "I am excited about the possibilities."

Skog helped launch a number of initiatives during his tenure at Morris School including a six year class-size and composition project in conjunction with Brandon University.

He was also instrumental in instituting a school-wide breakfast program, the administration and management of a welding program, the implementation of a fine arts program and the creation of the Morris Mavericks high school hockey team.

Skog also helped re-establish a French language program for kindergarten to Grade 8 students and instituted a Hockey Canada skills academy.

He acknowledged it will be tough leaving Morris School, but is looking forward to his new challenge.

"I am torn for sure because we have had a lot of success here over the last seven years," said Skog, who completed his Masters of Educations in Education Leadership at the University of North Dakota this past winter.

"It’s going to be tough to leave but I am excited about this new opportunity."

Skog has worked in education for the past 17 years. He got his start in Turtle Mountain and spent six years in Frontier School Division as both a teacher and vice-principal.

He currently lives in Morris where he is actively involved in the community. He is a member of the Morris wellness board Riverview Golf Course board, the Morris Recreation Commission and Morris Community Partners.

prescott@canstarnews.com