​Anthony Ciolfitto named new assistant superintendent of SD43

The School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) Superintendent of Schools Patricia Gartland and the Board of Education are pleased to announce that Anthony Ciolfitto has been named assistant superintendent of schools for SD43. Mr. Ciolfitto is replacing retiring Assistant Superintendent Gerald Shong.

Most recently assigned to Centennial Secondary, Mr. Ciolfitto was also principal at Riverside Secondary and vice principal at Port Moody Secondary, serving as an administrator for 17 years. Mr. Ciolfitto began his career in SD43 in 1996 and has consistently expressed his passion to work and advocate on behalf of children and educators over the course of his career. “I am humbled and honoured to be joining our District Leadership Team to serve the students and families in School District 43", stated Mr. Ciolfitto upon his appointment.

Superintendent Patricia Gartland welcomes Mr. Ciolfitto to this new role and is very much looking forward to his transitioning into the assistant superintendent position as of April 2, 2024.

Gerald Shong's Retirement

After serving the students and staff of School District 43 since 1991, Mr. Gerald Shong is retiring from his position as assistant superintendent. Mr. Shong taught at Burquitlam and Meadowbrook elementary schools, George Pearkes Junior Secondary, Minnekhada Middle, Centennial Secondary, and Terry Fox Secondary. He also taught Summer Learning and Adult Education, was an administrator for Summer School, and was a Night School Supervisor. Mr. Shong began his tenure as an administrator in 2008 as vice principal at Port Moody Secondary and then, in 2011, principal at Gleneagle Secondary. Mr. Shong became an assistant superintendent in 2015 and joined the District Leadership Team. As assistant superintendent, Mr. Shong supervised one quarter of the schools in the district. For many students, however, Mr. Shong will be remembered as an enthusiastic coach of football, basketball, rugby, track and field, and golf, as much as for his teaching in the classroom.

Mr. Shong served as co-chair on design teams for seven new schools, six additions, and the new Education Learning Centre. He also produced projections for school enrolment in kindergarten and Programs of Choice.

Gerald Shong's contributions to the students and staff of SD43 will be missed but the Board of Education, District Leadership, and staff wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his dedicated service to the district.