I am excited to have joined the amazing team at Everett Public Schools and be part of the greater Everett and Mill Creek community. It is my goal to continue the good work that is being done and to build upon that foundation to see even more successes for our students and our community.   

Summer is a time of transition for so many, not just me and my family moving across the nation. Last month 1,269 students graduated from our high schools and are making transitions into their next phase in life, whether it be 2- or 4-year education, technical school, military, or right into the work force. Over 1,400 of our district 8th graders are preparing to become high schoolers, and 1,700 5th graders can now call themselves middle school students.

Our educators are taking time to work on professional development, finding new and effective ways to teach our students and continuing to integrate 1:1 technology in the classrooms. Our new administrators are being mentored and preparing to lead schools in the fall. District support staff are maintaining schools, preparing curriculum and structuring everything we need to kick off the 2019-20 school year with great success.

While all of this is happening, I am starting my 90-day transition plan, which includes getting to know as much as I can about our district, staff, students and community. Part of my learning will include scheduled “listen and learn” times to hear from parents and community members about their hopes and desires for the district. Stay tuned for more details on when and where gatherings will be held.

As we get to know each other, you will learn that I love sports and sports analogies. So I think it fitting to end my first message to you with a quote from Pat Riley, former player and coach in the NBA: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better”.

That is what we do here, in Everett Public Schools – every day we strive to do a little better than the day before. I am happy to be on this journey with you.