Seattle Public Schools announced their new principal for Alki Elementary in West Seattle on Aug. 13. Shannon Stanton, most recently an elementary teacher in the Kent School District, will replace outgoing principal Chanda Otis, who is headed to Van Asselt Elementary.

Here is the announcement letter from SPS Superintendent José Banda:

Dear Alki Elementary community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Stanton as your new principal, effective immediately.

Ms. Stanton comes to Alki from Pine Tree Elementary in the Kent School District, where she has been principal since 2011. She is committed to the academic initiatives at Alki and we believe she will be a great fit for the Alki community.

Shannon Stanton previously held several positions in the Kent School District including professional development coordinator, curriculum specialist, literacy specialist and classroom teacher. She has provided instructional coaching and leadership as a consultant for international schools. In this role she trains groups of teacher leaders, administrators and curriculum directors working in the international school system.

Ms. Stanton earned a Master’s in Education, Teaching, Learning and Assessment from Lesley University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, Bothell. She received a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary child development from Western Washington University. She has trained in best practices for literary instruction with Columbia University’s Teachers College and with the Public Education and Business Coalition in Denver. Ms. Stanton holds principal and teacher certificates for Washington State.

The hiring process for Alki included input from staff and families. The selection team committee was particularly impressed with Shannon Stanton’s passion and knowledge of the Alki school and community and her experience in working with the current academic initiatives in place at Alki.

Your previous principal, Chanda Oatis, is moving to Van Asselt Elementary as principal. We all thank her for her contributions to Alki and wish her well in her new post.

Please join me in welcoming Shannon Stanton to Alki Elementary School!

Sincerely,

José Banda

José Banda
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools