The Highline Public Schools Board of Directors has named Dr. Alan Spicciati to serve as interim superintendent for the 2011-2012 school year. Spicciati is currently Chief Accountability Officer for the district.
"After 17 years in Highline, I am absolutely thrilled to lead our district at this time," said Spicciati. "My priorities will be to keep our momentum and innovation going and to finish important work we have started. The primary responsibility of Highline Public Schools is to ensure all students are prepared for college, career, and citizenship, and I look forward to working with our many partners who can help us achieve that."
Spicciati is a graduate of the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music, with a double major in music education and performance. He earned his master's degree from the University of Washington's Danforth Educational Leadership Program, and his Doctor of Education at Seattle Pacific University. He has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator at Highline Public Schools and in New York before coming to Highline.
"I have a high degree of confidence in Alan," said Superintendent John Welch. "He will serve the district and the community well during this transition. Alan has had a strong leadership role for many years and he is deeply involved in the work of the district and invested in the outcomes.
"Alan really knows the heart and soul of Highline - having been here for 17 years. He's been a teacher, principal, and administrator in the district - most recently as Chief Accountability Officer. I value Alan's experience and expertise - his integrity and ability to work collaboratively."
Board president Sili Savusa declared, "Alan's experience, integrity, ability to work collaboratively, clear knowledge of district priorities and initiatives, and his commitment to putting our students first will keep us moving forward," said Board President Sili Savusa.
"Alan and I will begin work right away to ensure a smooth transition," said Superintendent Welch. Spicciati will take the helm officially on September 1 when Welch becomes the next Superintendent of Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD). The school board will initiate a national search in the fall with the goal of hiring a permanent superintendent by spring 2012. Details of the process and timeline will be finalized in the next few weeks.
The retirement of assistant superintendent for support services Geraldine Fain was also announced. A public event will be held at the Puget Sound Skills Center on May 24 to honor Fain. She has been with the Highline district for more than 40 years.
Welch also has announced that Doug Neufeld has been promoted from assistant principal to principal at Bow Lake Elementary in SeaTac.
"For the last three years, Doug has been the assistant principal at Bow Lake. During that time, the staff has implemented PBIS and increased math scores, making AYP in math in 2011, Welch noted. "Doug has been in education for 18 years. Before coming to Highline, he was a head teacher, math coach, and classroom teacher in the Seattle School District."