Scott McCallum, the longtime superintendent of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB), has announced his resignation effective August 15, due to ongoing threats from a former employee.
In his resignation letter, McCallum expressed that he believes change could bring about fresh energy and perspective for the agency.
He stated, “I have decided it is best for me and for the WSSB that I resign from my role as superintendent to seek new leadership opportunities.”
McCallum, who has held the position since 2016, was reappointed by Governor Bob Ferguson earlier this year.
In his letter, McCallum cited “continuous harassment from a former employee” as a significant factor in his decision to step down, noting that it has caused considerable disruption within the school.
Brionna Aho, communications spokeswoman for Governor Ferguson, confirmed McCallum’s resignation and acknowledged the existence of a personnel investigation by the governor’s office.
Following McCallum’s resignation, Pam Parker, who has been with the school since 2011 and previously served as the director of outreach, has been appointed interim superintendent.
Parker attended Washington State University Tri-Cities in the Residency Principal Program and completed her bachelor’s degree in special education at the University of Texas at Austin.
In his resignation letter dated August 1, McCallum expressed hope that the disruptive threats would cease with his departure, stating, “I believe this is the appropriate time for WSSB to begin a new chapter under new leadership.”
The situation escalated to a point where McCallum felt compelled to address concerns in a court filing earlier this year, indicating fears that the harassment could escalate further, potentially leading to violence.
He described in the filing his fears concerning the vulnerabilities of the staff at the school, many of whom are blind or visually impaired.
“Her continual focus on us and violence, and our particular vulnerabilities has us all worried and scared,” he expressed.
In consideration of personal safety, McCallum mentioned he has altered his routines, stating, “I regularly drive new routes to work. I park in different places at work regularly, always backed in to make for a quick escape.”
The WSSB serves students who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind, with an enrollment of fifty students in the past school year alongside around 100 full-time equivalent employees.
The school operates with a state budget of approximately $29 million and has gained national recognition for its initiatives in educating visually impaired students.
McCallum has contributed significantly to advancements in education for blind students, having implemented the nation’s first online adaptive state assessment that accommodates Braille readers.
His achievements were recognized in 2022 when he received the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students award from the National Federation of the Blind.
Before his tenure in Washington, McCallum had a career in education in Oregon.
As the school looks ahead to the upcoming academic year under interim leadership, there lies a hope for continued growth and a positive future amid challenges.
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