UPDATE: On Wednesday night, The Seattle School Board Wednesday officially offered Anaheim City Schools Superintendent José Banda the position of Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools.

With a 6-0 vote in favor of Banda, the Board President Michael DeBell will now negotiate a contract with Banda, and the Board is scheduled to vote on Banda’s contract during its May 16 meeting.

If approved, he will start after July 1.

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of education, Banda was among three finalists chosen during a national search to find the next leader for Seattle Public Schools.

Board Director Marty McLaren noted that Banda’s “pragmatic, straightforward outlook and his calm confidence in his ability to lead our district” impressed Board members.

"We have a chance for a fresh start," said Board President DeBell in a statement, and thanked Dr. Susan Enfield, Interim Superintendent, for her work in building a strong foundation.

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Seattle School Board expected to name José Banda as new Superintendent today
2012-04-02

By Anne-Marije Rook

During today's School Board meeting, the Seattle School Board is expected to officially name José L. Banda as their choice to fill the Superintendent position vacated by Dr. Susan Enfield.

“I spoke with Mr. Banda on Sunday night and told him the Board is very interested in having him as our next leader of Seattle Public Schools. Mr. Banda expressed his willingness to accept the position if offered,” said Board President Michel DeBell. “We believe he is a strong fit for Seattle.”
 
The Board met in closed session on Sunday night. They did not take a formal vote on the candidates, but did direct DeBell to contact Mr. Banda.

The official vote on the contract will follow on May 16, and if approved, the new Superintendent would start after July 1.
 
On April 16 the School Board announced three finalists for Superintendent: Banda, Steven W. Enoch and Sandra L. Husk. The finalists were in Seattle during the week of April 23 to meet with the School Board and the 25-member Community Focus Group, as well as tour several Seattle schools.

After Enoch and Husk withdrew their candidacies, Banda remains as the final candidate.

Banda has spent the past four years as Superintendent of the 20,000-student Anaheim City School District. During this time, the District saw increased academic achievement for all students, including English Language Learners.

Mr. Banda spent 13 years as a secondary administrator, including eight years as a high school principal before becoming the Superintendent of the Planada School District from 2002-2005. Before Anaheim, Mr. Banda was the Deputy Superintendent at Oceanside Unified School District.
 
He has also served as a high school counselor, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and board member for Salida Union School District.  He brings over 30 years of experience in the field of education.
 
Mr. Banda is fluent in Spanish and holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University in Bakersfield and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Chapman University.