September 9, 2025
New Westminster Schools welcomes new district principal of Indigenous education and equity
New Westminster, B.C. – New Westminster Schools (SD40) is pleased to announce that Sanjeet (Sanj) Johal will join the district as its new district principal of Indigenous education and equity starting this October.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Sanj to our team,” said Mark Davidson, superintendent of New Westminster Schools. “He brings a wealth of experience and genuine commitment to schools welcoming and inclusive for children and youth, staff, families, and the community we serve. We are very excited to have someone with such extensive experience and a history of leading with courage and humility joining the New Westminster Schools family!”
Johal, a veteran educator with more than two decades of experience in teaching, began his career as a student teacher at Capilano Elementary School in North Vancouver. Since 2003, he has taught at elementary and secondary levels, served as vice principal for six years, and has led several North Vancouver School District elementary schools as principal for 12 years. He holds a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Bachelor of Education, also from UBC.
Over the course of his career, Johal has consistently advocated for anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He currently serves on the board of the British Columbia Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association. In addition, he has contributed to the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Anti-Racism Action Plan and Guidelines and is a presenter on equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism.