With council members Pam Fernald and Dave Bush absent because of illness, the SeaTac Council held a short, non-contentious meeting on Sept. 25.

Lawmakers met with the Highline School District’s dynamic new superintendent, Susan Enfield.

Enfield noted the district had received a “nice bump” in the latest state test scores, particularly in math.

She said the district is forming a new strategic plan and described teachers, principals, family and community partners and central staff as essential elements in providing a good education to students.

Enfield agreed with Deputy Mayor Mia Gregerson that the district has issues with truancy and discipline. She noted that African American and Latino students have a suspension rate three times that of other groups. She vowed to work on the disparity.

Enfield told Councilmember Barry Ladenburg that the district is seeking to graduate all students prepared to enter a four-year college. College should be a viable option but students should choose what path they want to take, she noted. She added that students haven’t been exposed enough to vocational options.

Mayor Tony Anderson told the superintendent, ”We know you had a choice and we are glad you chose the Highline.”

Enfield served last year as interim superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, the state’s largest district. She took herself out of consideration for the permanent Seattle position and was also being considered for the top spot in Bellevue schools when she accepted the offer from Highline.

“It’s the best decision I ever made… and my husband agrees,” Enfield declared.

She said she is eager to tackle the challenges.

“I’m tired of tinkering around the edges in education,” she said. “In 3 to 5 years, I think Highline will be a district that people will look to.”

In council business, the remaining five lawmakers voted unanimously to approve a contract for a new skate park at the SeaTac Community Center.

Assistant Parks director Lawrence Ellis said the park would be geared to younger kids and beginning skaters. A more challenging skate park is in place at Valley Ridge Park, next to the Tyee High complex.

Ellis noted construction is set to begin in October with completion later this year or early 2013.