Highline Public Schools Support Services, including Nutrition, Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation, and Technology will merge with Business Services under the leadership of Susan Smith Leland, currently chief financial officer for the district. Smith Leland will become assistant superintendent of finance and operations effective July 1.

This move follows the retirement announcement of long-time Assistant Superintendent Geri Fain.

"I have determined the most effective way to move the organization forward is to bring all of the support functions together," said Superintendent John Welch. "To ensure a smooth transition, I have asked Susan and Geri to begin their work together by mid-May. We want to benefit as much as we can from Geri's expertise before she leaves."

"This merger reflects Highline's efforts to operate as efficiently as possible in this time of reduced resources," said Smith Leland. "I look forward to serving our students and their families, our schools, and community and to supporting Dr. Spicciati as he performs the duties of interim superintendent and our board as they take on the task of selecting a new superintendent."

Alan Spicciati, the district's chief accountability officer, has been appointed interim superintendent. Welch is leaving the district September 1 to become superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Renton.

Smith Leland joined Highline Public Schools in 2007 as executive director of finance & business services. Prior to Highline, she served as executive director of finance & support services for White River Schools for 13 years where she oversaw all support services.

She holds a Masters degree in School Business Administration from Seattle University and a Bachelors degree from The Evergreen State College.

Smith Leland grew up in the Highline area where she attended Bow Lake and Angle Lake Elementary schools and Chinook Middle School.