LWSD Board Proposes $676.9 Million Construction Levy

The levy passed 53% vs. 47%

LWSD proposes a six-year capital construction levy totaling $676.9 million in the November ballot. The annual tax will average $128 million. See the school board and staff's informative, colorful slide presentation here.

Dr. Jon Holmen, LWSD Superintendent says...

"Our community has an opportunity to set the stage for future generations, continuing to make Lake Washington a great place to live, raise a family and educate children,​” said  “Our students deserve educational environments that match the excellence we strive to attain with each of our students.”

Why does the district need a construction levy?

To continue to provide excellence in education for the students of our community, LWSD recommends placing this measure on the ballot. This levy will focus on aging facilities - to rebuild and enlarge the four remaining schools that have not received upgrades or rebuilds since the start of the 1998 modernization program. This levy would allow the district to ensure secure facilities with single entry points, interior hallways, and other features to ensure students continue to learn in a safe environment.

Levy will focus on replacing four aging schools and upgrading/modernizing the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School.

Dr. Holmen Remains Superintendent at LWSD

Peoria Unified School District interviews:  For Dr. Holmen scroll to 27.10 m for Dr. Kenneth Sommers advance to 40.44 m 

Announcement on the Peoria Unified School District website:  

"On November 29, the Peoria Unified Governing Board voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Kenneth Christopher Sommers to serve as the district's next superintendent, pending the result of successful contract negotiations and  background check.  The Board is expected to official approve him as superintendent at a future meeting."  

Though Dr. Holmen didn't get what he wanted we are most fortunate to have him and his expertise on board during these challenging times.  -- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/30/2023

Superintendent Jon Holmen Finalist for Superintendent in Arizona School District

https://www.peoriaunified.org/superintendentsearch

Jon Holmen, Superintendent of LWSD is a finalist in selecting a new superintendent at Peoria Unified in Arizona.  The Peoria School Board will announce their decision on November 29th.  

Arizona ranks 50th out of 50 states for school funding.  Ah ha, so Jon's experience with Bonds and Levies makes him quite attractive.  

Jon's interview begins at 27m.  He is analytical, systematic with focus on stakeholders.  John Carman of Texas interview begins at 16:45m.  He's low key.  Ken Somers from Colorado is expressive, likeable, somewhat wordy with leadership qualities. Though, he may not have the school funding experience Peoria Unified is looking for.  

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/26 

2022 Superintendent Dr. Holmen's Reflection on the First Day of School

September 6th.  So refreshing to learn in-person!

Dr. Jon Holmen serves as Chief Executive Officer. He provides strategic vision, leadership and direction to Lake Washington School District. Dr. Holmen is a skilled education leader with 22 years of experience in public education. On July 1, 2020, he became Lake Washington School District’s 13th superintendent.

Read Dr. Holmen's full bio here.

UPDATED 3/29: LW School District Should Implement 3-Foot Distancing Soon

Internet photo

Yesterday, Governor Inslee ordered by 4/19 middle and high schools open for full or partial in-person learning at least two days each week. Seattle Times, 3/29/2021

My wife and I watched two LW School District Board meetings this month; we were heartsick during the public comment period when students and parents told their sad stories. The pain and suffering they experience from remote learning is severe. We almost cried. 

Most students and parents directed their comments to Superintendent Jon Holmen.  They pleaded to open the schools ASAP.  Some studies show remote learning is 75% of normal.  A significant problem is deteriorating mental health.  Anxiety, sadness, depression, anorexia, substance abuse and suicide have escalated. Abuse at home goes unchecked. There's a dearth of socialization and emotional support. 

On March 25th we finally received some good news from Governor Inslee.  The State Department of Health approved 3-foot distancing with masks.  Superintendent Jon Holmen should be stoked. Six-foot distancing with masks is still required for teachers and staff and in eating and drinking places.  Small classrooms will have more capacity though.

Our children will be affected by this closure in some way for all their life. The District needs to open ASAP.  The administration has had months to plan for this moment.  Confronting the teachers union is a necessary. Today, I asked Superintendent Holmen if he will implement the Governor's distancing order soon.  He said his team is actively working on it. (See his letter below.) LWSD moves with the momentum of a huge tanker turning ever so slowly. However, Dr. Holmen has 5 associate superintendents and over 31 executive directors to help him navigate.  There's little excuse not to move forward expeditiously. 

I wish Dr. Holmen and his team the best of luck.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated, 3/29/2021

Hello Bob,

 Here is the information that I sent out to staff and community yesterday. 

As you can see, we are developing our plans in consideration of both the Governor’s Emergency Order and the change in K-12 guidance related to classroom distancing. As with all guidance changes, we must take the information and determine the scope and magnitude of opportunity immediately and in the long-term. We are actively working on this.

 

Thank you for following up on our email exchange from earlier with a request for updated information.  With these rapidly changing times updated information is important for all our communities.

 

Thank you,

Jon

 

Dr. Jon Holmen

Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

jholmen@lwsd.org | 425-936-1257

Rosa Parks Parents and School Board Frustrated by "glacial slowness" of LWSD Administration

Rosa Parks Elementary on Redmond Ridge is severely overcrowded and the LWSD School Board and Administration know it.   More than 20 parents and students have presenting twice during Board meetings for over an hour about the unacceptable conditions and Superintendent Pierce visited the school in August.   Pierce's short term solution so far is to add more administrative help and limit recess to two grades at a time.   The school's ten portables cut out 50% from the play areas not leaving much room for fun or a solution to the overcrowding.   The school structure and grounds have a capacity of 483 students yet according to parent Heather Rosenburg "it's almost approaching 800 students." 

Another parent, Karen Swenson says "enrollment could reach 900 students if development keeps increasing at Redmond Ridge East.  Sending only Kindigardners to Wilder does not achieve right size.  We need a decision by the end of January before Kindigarden registration - including forcasted enrollment - to decide if we should stay, move, varience, home school, and go to private schools." 

Dr. Pierce will hold a meeting with the Rosa Parks community September 27, 6:45-8:15PM, at the school to seek feedback on short term solutions and discuss long term plans. According to parent Beth Zimmerman, Katheryn Reith of the Administration identifies short term solutions as: 1) eliminate full day kindergarten, 2) convert specialized classrooms to regular classrooms, 3) set new boundaries, 4) bus students, 5) add two more portables.  Zimmerman called the overcrowding an emergency situation. 

Julie Ann, parent of a second grader and past community liaison to the Seattle Public Schools understood the Superintendent Pierce's goal not to reboundary twice for students in Redmond East.  She recommended temporary relocation saying North Shore District has accommodated schools similarly in the past where she once lived and the boundaries are not complex. 

A parent with a second grader recommended moving Kindergartners and 1st Graders to Wilder (which is 75% of capacity with declining enrollment).  Or, to move Redmond Ridge East except Chandler to Wilder. 

Boardmember Chris Carlson said:

"I wanted to hear from somebody from Redmond Ridge East.  I have yet to hear from such people.  It still feels we have a community that's asking to move the other half of your school but I haven't heard that yet.  People clamouring to "Please bus us to Wilder" would be fantastic but I haven't heard that yet." 

Boardmember Chris Carlson from the Kirkland district concluded for the Board saying,

"We do feel your pain and the solution is going to be frustratingly slow - glacial.  It won't happen before the next meeting.  The community must work with Superintendent Pierce.  We as a Board are not writing a check to move all those kids [to Wilder Elementary].  It's unacceptable not being able to solve it [the overcrowding] this year but it's slow.  Tracie will work with you as a community.  It's something we are hoping you can work with her." 

Redmond's new school board member Siri Bliesner said "it's been a long term problem and it's important to be addressed now."   Redmond Ridge school board member Doug Eglington said "it's not fun.  It's frustratingly slow and will take some time." 

President Pendergrass from Kirkland and Juanita area said "there will be a solution" before Kindergarten registration in January so parents can decide where to send their kids.  "Superintendent Pierce is trying to involve the entire Redmond Ridge East and West communities and it takes time."

Reported by Bob Yoder

"The job of the Board is to represent the citizens and to lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance." (LWSD By-Laws)
 

UPDATED: Student exhibits shine at "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon

Ms. Hartford  and four members of her Green Team
with  wetland storm pond restoration 'shovels"

Roger Blier, Lunch Buddy and PASSPORT UNLIMITED "Silver Sponsor" has a new pirq app "to discover instant deals on the go!"

Some incredible numbers are in on the Lake Washington Schools Foundation 7th Annual "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon.   $180,000 in donations!  That's a 25% increase in giving from last year!  Awesome show of community support, for sure!  The students were there, too.  On the right is a photo of Horace Mann Elementary's "Green Team."  5th Grade teacher Marie Hartford is beaming on the right.  Thanks to the "Foundation," MANN's team got a $200 kick-start to start their "hands on" volunteer work cleaning up the stormwater wetland pond on the school's property.  Go ahead and take a peak over the huricaine fence and you may see ducks and dragonfly's or hear frogs chirp, chirp.  There used to be invasive blackberry brambles blocking the view and suffocating the wetland and wildlife stormwater pond.  Thanks to Marie's green team and their little shovels we have a cleaner Bear Creek, Sammamish River and Puget Sound!

At the foundation of  the MANN "Green Team" is our growing FOUNDATION of community supporters!  Tune in for a short clip of how the FOUNDATION is "Growing Tomorrow's Great Minds TODAY - One Child at a Time"   

Special thanks to sodexo for "Making every day a better day" by providing and serving over 450 warm luncheons!

Story & photo B.Y.  

School Board approves interim construction financing for STEM, Redmond and Eastlake High Schools

Aerial update of STEM Project Site (April, 2012)

UPDATED:  The School board meeting this Monday was better attended by bond salesmen than citizens, as the board held a Hearing to approve two capital bond transactions, keeping STEM, Redmond High, and Eastlake High construction at running at full throttle.

One of the transactions, a $34 million LGO Bond sale, raised cash to cover short-term construction needs until the voter-approved "2012-2017 $65 million Capital Levy" dollars can catch up. The second board action raised $25 million from an aging  "2006 Eight-Year $436 million Capital Bond."  According to Barb Posthumus, district Business Services Manager,  a balance of $11 million remains of the original $436 million Bond.  

LGO's are "Limited Government Obligation" bonds and are non-voter approved.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Dr. Traci Pierce updates LWSD staff on organizational structure



2012-13  Organizational Chart
CLICK TO ENLARGE 

UPDATED:  Dr. Traci Pierce, who will take over as Lake Washington School District superintendent on July 1, announced the district’s Central Leadership Team (CLT) for the 2012-13 school year. The new structure and any changes in position will take effect on July 1. Her annoucemement was made by email to the entire LWSD staff on May 4. 

OP-ED: The Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball's success seems premature

"Superintendent-elect" Dr. Traci Pierce at Redmond  City Hall "Meet and Greet"
Mayor John Marchione in background
Traci will implement Kimball's plan for re-alignment and performance improvements 

OP-ED:  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? We'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.

By Anonymous on Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclam... on 4/8/12)
Photo:  Patch.com (Internet)

4/12/12: Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclamation

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

http://www.lwsd.org/About/District-Admin/Pages/Superintendent-Bio.aspx

UPDATED, 2012: LW School Board superintendent selection process was lacking.

Jon Holmen, LWSD administrator ran for Olympia School District superintendent  December, 2011 after OSD Superintendent Bill Lahmann announced his retirement on November 2, 2011. 

Holmen was chosen after a national search that resulted in 30 Olympia School District applicants.  Of those, 21 were educators from Washington and five were called for preliminary interviews before the board. The board then selected three finalists, who each spent a day in the district March 20, 21,and 22 for meetings with employees, community members, and student. The winning candidate was selected late in March. Jon was not selected.

The LW School Board's hiring process for Dr. Pierce was less transparent, took much longer and was less engaging. Jon Holman was never considered.   LWSD Board of Directors interviewed and selected their finalist mostly behind the closed doors of Executive Sessions.  Closed government.  The Board selected only one finalist, Traci Pierce so the public had no choice or basis for comparison.  Pierce attended four "meet and greets" as the Board's "preferred" and only candidate.  In addition, all of 40 district residents took a survey. 

A comprehensive, public, transparent search was conducted following Sup. Pierce's departure; Jane Staven was hired.  She lasted about a year.  During COVID the Board abruptly hired Jon with little fanfare. 3/21) 

Dr. Traci Pierce begins transition into leadership

Sup. Chip Kimball

from the desk of Superintendent Chip Kimball to district staff...

"....There is great wisdom in the LWSD board selection of Traci Pierce as the next superintendent. She has a deep understanding of teaching and learning, knows Lake Washington well, and has all of the necessary skills to lead you into the future. I am extremely optimistic about the future of LWSD under her leadership.

Over the next three months you will see a deliberate transition in leadership as Traci develops her leadership team structure, sets district priorities, and communicates with you directly. She will be visiting with schools and departments, listening to staff, and you will have the opportunity to get to know her better. I am committed to working closely with her during this transition period to make sure she has adequate support as the incoming superintendent.

And while change and transition can indeed be personally and professionally challenging, it can also be exciting and life-giving. My greatest hope is that all of us will embrace the transition to a new school configuration, a new leader in Dr. Traci Pierce, and new challenges as we prepare students for the future."

Warm Regards, Chip
Outgoing Superintendent, LWSD
March 25, 2012 letter excerpt

Permit Appeals push back new STEM School. Eastlake High to house STEM School til late Fall, early Winter

UPDATED:  New STEM School to be housed temporarily at Eastlake High  Permitting delays push building opening back 

The Lake Washington School District’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School will open in the fall of 2012 in temporary quarters at Eastlake High School. Its permanent building, to be located next to Alcott Elementary School in Redmond, will not be ready in time for the opening of school. Delays in required permits have pushed back the expected completion date of the first phase of construction of the STEM School building to late fall or early winter.

Eastlake High School's capacity with increase to 1840 students to account for the reconfiguration next fall, a new classroom wing and other building additions.  The Renaissance School will move to protable classrooms.

Based on current projections, the school will be able to accommodate the two grades (9th and 10th) the STEM School will serve in its first year. “I am disappointed that this new school will be in temporary quarters for a while,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, “but we are fortunate that Eastlake will be able to host it this fall. In future years, Eastlake will need that space.”  Read More >>

LWSD's new Director Siri Bliesner champions Dr. Traci Pierce as Superintendent

Director Sir Bliesner

This Monday evening, Deputy Superintendent Traci Pierce was hired by the School Board of Directors as LW School District's next Superintendent.  Dr. Pierce was promoted from one of the Administration's three Chief Officers to a Deputy Superintendent last year.  Traci's operative words in her short speech to the Board were: "to serve," and "committed."  General consensus by the Board, in part, is that Traci will be learning the Superintendent's position "on the job", she is intelligent, and a quick study.  (In her speech to the Redmond officials and residents, Traci emphasised her 16 years of District experience.)  

All Board members spoke highly of Dr. Pierce, but Director Siri Bliesner had the most to say. Ms. Bliesner is a Redmond resident and replaces Ravi Shahadi as the District's newest Board member. 

Before the vote, Director Siri Bliesner started off her positive assessment for Dr.Traci Pierce saying:

"Traci has a strong passion for Public Education and has been developing the necessary skills, attitudes and desire to develop potential in the LWSD to reach the vision of "every child future ready."  I am pleased with her leadership style as one of inclusion and collaboration. This is a vital skill, especially with that of competing interests that exist."

Dr. Pierce recognizes the importance of public, transparent processes that engage the community in a meaningful way -- early on, where input can have impact.   Read More >>

LWSD Board selects Dr. Traci Pierce as new superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

I've inserted the italicized paragraphs to Kathryrn Reith's press release for additional insight.  B.Y.

Dr. Traci Pierce, experienced educational leader to continue current initiatives

Redmond, Wash. – At its February 27 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lake Washington School District unanimously voted to hire Dr. Traci Pierce, the district’s deputy superintendent, instructional services, as the district’s new superintendent. Pending the negotiation of a contract, she will replace the departing Dr. Chip Kimball, who becomes superintendent of the Singapore American School on July 1.

President Jackie Pendergrass reviewed the selection process as follows:  In September, Kimball announced he was leaving the District.  November 7th, the Board conducted a survey of parents, staff, and the community.  December 5th, the Board (with Ravi) after interviews unanimously announced Traci Pierce as their "preferred candidate."  "Meet and Great" meetings were held at Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland and the District headquarters for staff.  (20-30 people showed up at each meeting).  Twenty-six people submitted comments. BY 

Board member Dr. Chris Carlson said he "believes in brevity" on this, saying he heard little "negative stuff."  BY  Read More >>

'LWSD's First Assignment for 2012' - Conduct a facilities inventory and audit of classroom space, with Superintendent oversight

Is this is a classroom?  Can it be a classroom?   (LWSD photo)

OPINION:  LWSD’S FIRST ASSIGNMENT FOR 2012 – Do a facilties inventory and find out how much classroom space the school district really has. 

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA.

UPDATED:  How much space does the Lake Washington School District have at its 31 elementary, 12 junior high and 8 high schools? How many classrooms are there and how many students can each school hold? How many students can all of the district’s schools hold? These are important questions considering we were just asked to spend $65,000,000 to build additional space for high school students.  Superintendent oversight is required.

The answers to these questions about classroom space can be found on page 24 in the district’s “Six-Year Capital Facilities Plan 2011-2016.” (This document can be found at http://www.lwsd.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/For-The-Community/Construction/Capital-Facility-Plan.pdf ) On a single page, the district counts all the classrooms in all the schools and then multiplies by the number of students each classroom can hold and then figures out the total capacity of the district’s facilities.
The trouble with this accounting system is that it is too simple. It assumes that if a classroom is used for an activity other than regular classroom teaching, it should not be counted in the inventory. If a classroom is used for Music, Computers, Art, ELL, preschool or even storage, it is not included in the total number of classrooms in a school.

Let’s look at Rockwell Elementary... Read More >>

UPDATED: Two "meet & greet" meetings with superintendent candidate Traci Pierce are rescheduled

"Meet and Greets" with candidate Dr. Pierce are rescheduled to January 25 and February 7.   Feedback taken til February 22.

The meeting scheduled for Dr. Traci Pierce, preferred superintendent candidate, at the LWSD Resource Center has been rescheduled for THIS Wednesday, January 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

The meeting scheduled for Dr. Traci Pierce, preferred superintendent candidate, hosted by the City of Sammamish, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

The School Board of Directors will listen to your feedback and recommendations until February 22. 

The Board is likely to take action to hire a Superintendent at one the following Board meetings (at the District Resource Center):

Jan 30, Board meeting, 5:30PM (a vote is unlikely)

Feb. 27, 7PM  Board Meeting  (public comments accepted)

March 26 7PM Board Meeting (public comments accepted)

By Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Part One: Bus Transportation and Overcrowding Problems at Rural Alcott Elementary



CLICK TO ENLARGE

Bus Transportation and Overcrowding Problems at Rural Alcott Elementary

By Susan Wilkins

LETTER:  Alcott Elementary and Rockwell Elementary are two identical schools built from the same architectural plans in the mid-1980s. Rockwell is centrally located in the middle of an urban neighborhood on Education Hill in Redmond. Alcott Elementary is a rural school along Redmond-Fall City Road that was built for rural students who live in the sparsely populated east side of the school district. When we compare the number of students who are transported to each school by bus and the distance that students must travel, we see that locating schools inside Urban Growth Boundaries where students live is more convenient for students and saves school districts money on transportation costs.

Alcott Elementary has an unusual student population.  Read More >>

UPDATED ON JANUARY 12: LW School District Board considering internal candidates for superintendent.

Pres. Jackie Pendergrass
and school board to decide.

Lake Washington School Board outlines next step for superintendent search

Opinion Updated 1/25:  The School Board will introduce their preferred candidate, Traci Pierce, to the community during "Meet and Greets" (M&G) this January.   Parents and the community are invited to give input to Board members.  Send your feedback to the Board by February 22 at board@lwsd.org and if you have your own preferred candidate let them and your neighbors know!   I like Traci a lot, but prefer Principal Jane Todd, Redmond High for her known community Leadership skills.  

UPDATED OPINION:  At their December 5 meeting the Lake Washington School Board will decide if they want to put forward an internal candidate for Superintendent. 

According to the Administration in a press release,  "the district is in the middle of a major initiative - changing its grade configuration - which will affect every school in the district."   Grade reconfiguration - along with growth pains from the new Stem School, RHS wing, and EHS wing and other immediate challenges - could benefit from "consistent leadership" of an internal candidate.  "Knowledge and experience of these ongoing challenges also favor the consideration of internal candidates," says the Administration.

The Board will evaluate all candidates based on criteria gathered from the online survey ("read more") and interviews with staff and community members.  If they can't decide on an internal candidate, they'll look outside.
 
Do you think an internal candidate is appropriate considering what we're facing for the next few years?  Is an interim Superintendent  an option?   A couple of names that come to mind are Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, Dr.Traci Pierce, and Redmond High Principal Jane Todd.  Do you have any recommendations or favorites?   I think Deputy Superintendent Janine Fogard is most effective staying where she is, as Chief Operating Officer.  She knows the district "plumbing" better than anyone.  Ms. Fogard, as Director of Finance, has an excellent business services finance team led by Barbara Posthumus.  Read More>>