The Seattle School Board has decided to extend the search for a new superintendent, allowing for additional community engagement as it seeks to prioritize input from families and stakeholders.
Originally, the board aimed to have a new superintendent in place by fall, just in time for the new school year.
However, the need for more comprehensive community feedback prompted the board to revise its timeline, which now includes multiple engagement meetings scheduled for later this month, as well as an extended deadline for an online survey until August 4.
In a recent interview, Seattle School Board President Gina Topp acknowledged the community’s desire for more time to voice their opinions.
“I love the fact that people want to participate and want to be part of this process — that just continues to show how important education is in our city and that we really care about who’s leading our public schools here,” Topp said.
The board’s decision to slow down the process has received support from community groups such as All Together for Seattle Schools, which has been advocating for a more thoughtful approach to the superintendent selection.
Co-chair Erin MacDougall emphasized the importance of a careful decision, stating, “Rushing the process would be a disservice to our students, families, and educators, who we believe deserve a thoughtful, deliberate leadership selection.”
The search has come at a vital time following significant challenges the district has faced, including financial struggles and discussions around potential school closures.
Topp did not specify when the board would ultimately select a new leader, explaining that the timeline would depend largely on the candidates and their availability to start.
With uncertainties surrounding the candidates’ timelines, she indicated that the board will need to evaluate individual situations as they arise.
“There could be a candidate we like and they can start two weeks later. Or maybe the right candidate can’t start until January or June,” she explained.
As the search continues, it remains uncertain whether Acting Superintendent Fred Podesta will remain in his interim role through the ongoing process.
Initially appointed to serve temporarily until September 3, the same day as outgoing Superintendent Brent Jones’ departure, Podesta has been stepping in since Jones has been on medical leave since May.
Topp reaffirmed her support for Podesta’s ongoing leadership, stating, “I do think Acting Superintendent Podesta is doing a good job and I would like to see him continue in that role as we look for a new leader.”
Since Jones announced his resignation earlier this year, All Together for Seattle Schools has urged the board to conduct a transparent national search rather than selecting from within the district, as has been the practice historically.
The organization even suggested that the board consider appointing an interim leader from outside the district to escape any issues related to internal candidates.
While advocating for an external search, MacDougall indicated a willingness to consider Podesta as a suitable interim if he does not pursue the permanent role.
According to her, “We feel that a longer-term appointment of Mr. Podesta in this role could strengthen our attention to the longer-term hiring of a superintendent that will bring thoughtful and deliberate governance and accountability to the city and the school district.
The board’s upcoming meeting on July 30 will include discussions about the future direction of the search, as well as an update from the search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, regarding community feedback.
Topp noted that upcoming engagement sessions will focus particularly on gathering insights from historically marginalized groups, ensuring that voices from diverse backgrounds are heard in the selection process.
Meetings are slated for several locations and formats, including:
– July 25 at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School at 6 p.m.
– July 26 at South Shore K-8 School at 3 p.m.
– A virtual session with details to be announced soon.
All sessions will provide interpretation services in American Sign Language and the district’s top five spoken languages: Amharic, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese, facilitating a wider range of community participation.
Overall, as the search for a new superintendent unfolds, the Seattle School Board is committed to taking the necessary time and steps to ensure that community voices are integral to the decision-making process.
image source from：kuow
