Two Catholic school principals say it's time for a change, and both will get their wish.
St. Bernadette principal Joe Budde will retire, again from the Burien school.
Taking his place will be Bob Rutledge who is leaving St. Alphonsus Parish School in Ballard.
Budde explained, "I was retired but then became the interim principal two years ago for a year. Things worked out and I stayed for two.
I replaced a principal who unexpectedly resigned. If something comes open and there's a need, I wouldn't unwelcome another job somewhere else, but maybe more temporary.
This keeps me in the game, so to speak."
His next game might be on the golf course in Spokane and Florida, he said, as that is where his four children live.
Before his Burien post, Budde spent his career in the Renton School district, including 14 years as assistant principal and principal in Nelsen and McKnight Middle schools, and Cascade and Tiffany Park Elementary schools.
He said he will miss St. Bernadette.
"I've enjoyed the positive energy the school, community, teachers and students brought," Budde noted.
Budde said that Rutledge is "a real quality man." He said they don't know each other well, but, added Budde, "Bob has already met with the parents and kids here and they like him a lot. It's time for me to pass the torch."
"I met Joe at school meetings and ran into him at a Mariners game," said Rutledge. "We lost but it was a close game at least."
Rutledge taught Eighth-grade social studies, language arts, and religion at St. Alphonsus for seven years, then became principal for four.
"I even taught a little math, but that's not my specialty," he said with a grin.
His responsibilities now include both hiring new teachers at St. Alphonsus before leaving, then hiring new teachers at St. Bernadette when he officially begins on July 1.
"I think you grow if you make a change," concluded Rutledge. "I'll miss the kids and their parents.
"But I will still be involved with the parish community. I live near here and will attend mass and the auctions."
