Effective July1, 2012, Melissa Schweitzer will be the new principal at Whittier Elementary.

Schweitzer comes to Whittier Elementary from Whitman Middle School where she was the assistant principal. Schweitzer has also served as an instructional coach with the district and a Special Education teacher at Meany Middle School. Prior to that she was a Special Education teacher at Seattle Children’s Home.

"Ms. Schweitzer is committed to working collaboratively with staff and the community, and will be a great fit for the Whittier Elementary community, stated Susan Enflied in an announcement.

Schweitzer holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado and earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Evansville. She has Washington State Administrative Certification.

Schweitzer was selected after a hiring process that included input from staff and families.

"The selection team committee was particularly impressed with her strong background in instructional support and leadership for excellence in student learning, as well as her commitment to the vision of the Whittier community," according to Enfield.