The Langley School Board is keeping it in the family, naming acting superintendent Suzanne Hoffman as its new superintendent.

Hoffman was appointed acting superintendent in January after the school board fired Cheryle Beaumont.

Despite the controversies of recent years over the district amassing a $13.75 million deficit and other issues, some 15 people expressed interest in filling the job and five applicants were shortlisted.

They faced interviews with a panel made up of staff and community stakeholders, followed by interviews with the board. The hiring process was overseen by secretary-treasurer David Green and assistant superintendent Jennifer Canas with the assistance of Make a Future, an educational employment organization that the district hired.

"The Board of Education has been very impressed with Hoffman's performance in the role of acting superintendent these past months and is very excited to have her take on the role of superintendent," said board chair Wendy Johnson.

Hoffman has 22 years of experience in the Langley School District. Following four years of teaching with the Mission School District, Hoffman taught for three years in Langley before assuming the role of vice principal in which she served for five years. Hoffman served seven years as a school principal before six years as a district principal in the portfolios of Professional and Instructional Services. In January of 2011, Hoffman was appointed to the role of assistant superintendent.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com