School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) announced today that Dr. Tara Holt has been hired as principal of J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary School and Jewett Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year effective August 1, 2025.  

Tara Holt has worked as a principal in Surrey School District (SD36) since 2005 in both secondary and adult education. In addition, she has overseen dual credit and college programming for secondary school students. Dual credit makes it possible for grades 11 and 12 students to take post-secondary courses and receive credit towards both high school graduation and post-secondary credentials.

“J.V.H. and Jewett Elementary students and families as well as school leaders and educators here at SD8 are fortunate to welcome a school leader with the experience and skills of Dr. Holt. I’m very pleased Tara is joining our team and know that she will be an asset to the community,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.

“I’m excited to take on a new professional adventure in the Kaslo Family of Schools and to lead, support and learn from my colleagues. My focus is to meet the needs of all students in this wonderful rural area and ensure they see their potential and culture as they progress in their education toward graduation and their own careers,” said Ms. Holt.

J.V. Humphries Interim Principal Monica Doyle will continue to lead the school for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.