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| Dr. Chip Kimball Superintendent, Lake Washington School District, 2007 - 2012 |
Read by Mayor John Marchione on March 27, 2012....
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Chip Kimball started his education career by teaching science at Madera High School in California; and Read More >>
WHEREAS, Chip Kimball took his first administrative education job in the Fresno Unified School District in California; and
WHEREAS, Chip Kimball earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the university of Southern California in 1995, thus earning himself the title of doctor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has served the LWSD since 1996 in roles including Chief Information Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball's work has resulted in one of the most comprehensive and effective educational technology implementations in the country and he was recognized by eSchool News as one of ten 2010 Tech-Savvy Superintendents;and
WHEREAS, Lake Washington PTSA Council honored Dr. Kimball with its Outstanding Service Award, its highest honor, as someone who works for all children to help them achieve their potential; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has dedicated his career to the service of educating our children, so that every child is future-ready, prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace and prepared for personal success:
NOW, THEREFORE, I JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby reorganize
DR. CHIP KIMBALL
for his valuable contributions to Redmond, the LWSD, and the eastside community; and I urge all residents to join me in honoring him.
SIGNED: John Marchione, Mayor, March 27, 2012
OP-ED: Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball is premature...4/9/12
COMMENTS: The March 27 Redmond city council study session started with presentations from Dr. Chip Kimball and superintendent-elect Dr. Traci Pierce. Chip recalled being hired by Sup. Barnes in l996 as the district's first Chief Information Officer. He became Superintendent when Dr. Don Saul retired in 2007.
Chip decided to leave Redmond "after much consternation" and spend a term as Superintendent of Singapore School. He leaves in July. Dr. Kimball wants to grow his leadership as an educator from his experience in the global workplace of Asia, and apply it back home.
Dr. Kimball said he was proud of the 95% graduation rate at LWSD; that 70% enter college; accolades for International School, that Redmond High is rated in the top 50 of all high schools in the country and the district got 11 recognitions from the state in 2011.
Dr. Kimball was on the Executive Committee for the Chamber and a Director on the Redmond Economic Development Association. He stated emphatically that education IS the economic development engine."
Mayor John Marchione read a Proclamation from a plaque. After giving Dr. Kimball the plaque Chip said how he appreciated his partnership with John. "John was a wonderful partner. We had a "heads up agreement" we could pick up the phone and call each other..." He said he lives in Redmond and looks forward to coming back home.
By Bob Yoder
Dr. Kimball initiated the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade realignment over two years ago and the transition won't take effect until Fall 2012 when students, teachers, sports schedules, curriculum, classroom assignments, bus routes and extra curricular activities will all be moved around and reshuffled on a grand scale affecting thousands of students. Will this turn out successfully for each and every student in the district?
ReplyDeleteWe've been reassured that *everything* is being taken care of and is under control, but I get the feeling from talking to other parents and kids that the middle schools and high schools will be stressed, if not chaotic, with the new grade assignments.
Dr. Kimball is walking away before anyone knows if next year's transition will be a success or if it will be a painful, difficult mess that takes years to work through.
I'm sorry, but I think Dr. Kimball packing up and leaving at this most critical time is rather irresponsible. A proclamation by the mayor of Dr. Kimball's great contribution and success seems premature and inappropriate.