John Boyd, Principal of Sealth International High School for the past seven years, is leaving to take a new job with the Highline School District.

The job is as Executive Director of North Region of Highline Public Schools which incorporates the Evergreen Campus (Evergreen High School, Cascade Middle School) and a host of elementary schools. He will be responsible for supervising, evaluating and supporting 13 principals. "It means getting into schools, talking to teachers and making sure they have resources and help principals with budgeting and financing and dealing with their concerns." Helping teachers move forward instructionally is a huge piece of that job," Boyd said, "It will require me to learn some new skills and that excites me to be back in a learning mode.

"It's a great opportunity for me to move forward in my career after seven years of what I consider a success at Sealth and I feel like we've accomplished big goals and moved that school forward in tremendous ways and there's the satisfaction of feeling some sense of completion," Boyd said," and I'm ready to take that next step.

The actual start date is not yet set. "It will be in early August either the 1st, 8th or the 15th," Boyd explained, "It kind of depends on benefits and other issues but I've committed to both the Highline School District and the Seattle School District because I will be involved in both worlds until each is squared away. I want to make sure to leave Sealth in good shape and make sure the new person coming in whomever that might be understands all that's going on."

Boyd will work in the Educational Resource Administrative Center at 156th s.w. and Ambaum Blvd. in Burien.

Until a new principal is named Sealth has two assistant principals Guadalupe Barnes and Andy Thomas and they will have a role in that. My boss is Aurora Lora (Executive Director of Schools - West Seattle Region) and I'm sure she will have a role in making sure there is continuity."

Boyd said he will remain available to assist in the transition process as long a necessary.

Boyd, himself a Sealth graduate is excited about the new opportunity and is philosophical about leaving. "Being a high school principal is not really a job, it's a lifestyle," he said, "You live that lifestyle and the people in the school become your family and friends and you accept that. Sure, as I get closer to parting ways it's emotional, especially talking to staff members, and letting them know but everybody understands and they are congratulatory." He credits those around him with making his Sealth experience so positive. "It's about the people I met, the kids, the staff and the parents. It's such an incredible community. They're diverse, interesting people who are down to earth and well grounded and I love that about the Sealth community.

He confesses that he will miss the day to day interaction with students but he has other avenues. "When I talked to Susan Enfield (interim superintendent for SPS) that was the question she asked me. She said, 'A lot of us that go, miss contact with students,' and I'm sure I will. I love being around the kids, and I do have three of my own and I also coach youth basketball. I hope to spend a significant amount of time in schools and that's another opportunity to make contact with young people."

"I've always known that I wanted to teach and it's a passion. One of the things that will center me on the work that I do is that it's all about those students and the experience we're giving them, and how we're preparing them for their next steps in life. That will keep me grounded in that belief that all kids deserve a great education."

Boyd reflected on overseeing the remodel of Chief Sealth International and Denny Middle School International on the now consolidated campus. "It was so great to see the kids faces as walked into the building and how they just lit up after being at Boren for two years. It was tremendous. That was something I'm glad I had the opportunity to do."

The following letter was sent out to staff and the community on July 13:

Dear Chief Sealth International High Community,
I am writing to share with you that in the last few days, I have been offered and accepted an Executive Director of Schools position with Highline Public Schools. At the outset, I would like you to know that it was not an easy choice to leave Chief Sealth. My time as the principal of Chief Sealth has been the most personally and professionally rewarding years of my educational career.

When I assumed this position in July of 2004, there were many challenges facing Chief Sealth. At that time, I set three goals for myself and the school:

· Raise academic achievement for all students,
· Improve the image of the school, and
· Increase enrollment through making Chief Sealth attractive to neighborhood students.
I am proud to say that each of these goals has been met.

· Student achievement on standardized assessments has increased by 40% in math, 25% in reading, 22% in science and 21% in writing.
· Chief Sealth is in a beautifully remodeled facility and is known for its rigorous academic offerings, its successful athletics teams, and its award winning arts programs.
· Student enrollment has risen by 400 students with high neighborhood demand.
Having accomplished these things, it is time for me to move forward with my own professional growth and to allow for Chief Sealth to continue its development under a new principal who will approach the position with a fresh set of eyes as I did seven years ago.
As the parent of the three Chief Sealth students I leave with the knowledge that they and their classmates are in the capable hands of a talented and dedicated staff. It has been a pleasure to spend my days with real professionals and observe their commitment to serving all students. As Chief Sealth approaches the first year sharing a campus with Denny International Middle School, I look forward to watching the two schools collaborate providing an excellent vertically aligned learning experience from grades 6 through 12.
Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield will be sharing with the community more information regarding the identification of Chief Sealth’s next principal. I know that Dr. Enfield, as well as School Board President Steve Sundquist and Executive Director Aurora Lora, are committed to the continued well-being of Chief Sealth. I will remain in my position as principal through August 5, 2011, and will continue to make myself available to assist in this transition for as long as I am needed.
Being the principal of my alma matter has been deeply rewarding. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the community where I grew up and to serve the children and families of Chief Sealth. As a lifelong Delridge resident, one of the exciting things about my new position is that I will be supervising and supporting 13 schools in Highline’s north region where I will continue to work in the community in my community. I also look forward to seeing you as a proud parent at future Chief Sealth activities and events. I wish the staff, students and families of Chief Sealth the very best for the 2011-2012 school year and the future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your principal for the past seven years.
Sincerely,

John L. Boyd
Principal
Chief Sealth International
High School