information from Seattle Public Schools

The Seattle School board has narrowed from three to one its choice of a new superintendent. The board tonight unanimously voted to enter contract negotiations with Denise Juneau to take helm of the district July 1, 2018.

"Selecting a superintendent is the most important responsibility a school board has,” said Board President Leslie Harris. “Throughout this process, this board has sought feedback, listened closely and thoughtfully reflected on what characteristics we need in our next superintendent.

“We were thrilled with the quality of candidates, making this a harder decision than any of us expected. Our community and staff have high expectations for Seattle Schools. Denise Juneau is the right pick to fulfill our promise of equity and excellence.

“We have no time to lose on making the best education possible for every student, every day and in every classroom. Education is truly the key to the city’s future, and together, we have to unlock the doors.”

The board anticipates voting on April 25 to approve a final contract with Denise Juneau.

The press release also contained a biography of Juneau:

"Denise Juneau has spent her adult life ensuring that young people have access to a quality education that can open the doors to a better future. Her work in public schools and leading Montana’s state education agency meant increased opportunities for students, and a collective boost to the state's economy.

Denise’s story takes her from Head Start to Harvard. After graduating from Browning High School, Denise received her bachelor's degree in English from Montana State University. She continued her education and earned a master's in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After teaching in North Dakota and Montana and working at the state education agency, Denise set her sights on the legal profession and received her juris doctorate from the University of Montana School of Law.

Denise is an enrolled member of the Mandan Hidatsa Tribes and a descendant of the Blackfeet tribe. In 2008, she became the first American Indian woman in the country ever elected to an executive statewide office. In 2012, she was reelected to a second term as Montana's Superintendent of Public Instruction.

As Superintendent, Denise launched an unprecedented effort to make sure all Montana students who graduate from high school are prepared for college or military and civilian careers. She developed a statewide initiative, Graduation Matters Montana, which made a positive difference in more than 50 communities. Graduation Matters Montana brought school, business leaders, community members, students and families together to work toward a common goal – that every student graduate from high school ready to succeed. In just a few years, the state’s graduation rate increased to its highest level ever recorded.

In her tenure as superintendent, Denise raised academic standards, expanded college and career readiness opportunities and advocated for policies to improve the quality of education in the state and nation."