Jan Grants, secretary to the superintendent of schools for School District 47, is retiring after 26 years of service.
During her tenure Grants served under four school superintendents, four Powell River Board of Education chairs and saw changes to Powell River’s school system including the closure of Lund’s school, the introduction of French immersion at James Thomson Elementary School and the reconstruction of Brooks Secondary School following a fire.
“I was very lucky to land the job as secretary to the superintendent in 1989,” said Grants, who accepted the position following her mother’s retirement as school board chair. “I’ve never felt as though I was pushing paper because I always knew that I was working for a higher purpose—to support teachers, with the bottom line being the students.”
Grants, a Renaissance woman whose paintings adorn the school board office, is also a flautist and experienced singer, winning the adult singing competition at International Choral Kathaumixw in 1998.
Grants was also Miss Powell River in 1968, going on to win Miss Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver that year.
Well-known as “the face of the school board,” Grants was recently feted at a retirement party, attended by all her former bosses.
Jay Yule, current superintendent, said, “Jan is an incredibly skilled professional, who always goes above and beyond, with the best interests of the school district in mind. We learn from each other and I think that’s special, and shows a great deal about trust, caring and mutual respect.”
At the party an additional gratitude, emblazoned “Jan Saved our Forest!” was included from former superintendent Brian Bennett, who credits Grants with saving the trees surrounding the school board building, now sold off and cut down, from a fire.
Grants was also presented with a tiara, gloves and a sash which read “Queen for a Day,” along with other gifts in recognition of her 1968 return to Powell River as Miss PNE by the school board’s special services staff.
Mother to medical genetics doctoral student Jennifer, who she proudly calls “a product of the Powell River school district,” Grants said she is retiring because she wants more time to enjoy music, books, friends and her newly adopted sport of weightlifting. She pumps iron seven days a week, “no excuses.”
“I’ve had lots of love in my life, including the love shown me by so many while working,” she said. “My job has provided in spades for my family, and will continue to provide in retirement—the job that just keeps giving.”
Grants’ official retirement date is August 31, when her position will be filled by Anna Cristante, current payroll and benefits clerk.
