A record year for school leadership changes within the Anglophone South School District, according to the superintendent.

Eleven principals and two vice-principals retired in June, while two other principals requested one-year leaves of absence.

Zoë Watson said filling those 15 positions led to a total of 38 principal and vice-principal changes throughout the district.

“Someone would apply and be successful at a new opportunity, but then that opened up another door and another competition,” said Watson said following last week’s monthly District Education Council meeting.

Watson was involved in each of the interviews for principal, along with a human resources officer, the director of schools for the education centre, and a parent school support committee representative.

She said the competitions took a considerable amount of time, noting the interview process included questions, a presentation, and often a pre-interview activity.

“I would say, in our district, the last two, three, four years, not a lot of turnover, but this is a lot for this school year coming,” said Watson.

Despite the record number of leadership changes, Watson said it is exciting to welcome new faces into the fold.

Principals and vice-principals have been meeting in Saint John this week ahead of the new school year, which begins on Sept. 6.

You can see the list of administrative changes by clicking here.