Seattle Public Schools announced their replacement for Director of Schools for the Southwest region (including West Seattle) on Aug. 6. In mid-July Carmela Dellino announced she was leaving the position to take a job with the City of Seattle.

Mr. Israel Vela is taking over after a 13 year leadership tenure at the Kent School District.

Here is the announcement from SPS Superintendent Jose Banda:

Dear Seattle Public Schools community,

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Israel Vela has been appointed Executive Director of Schools for the Southwest region.

Mr. Vela will support the principals and schools in the southwest region of the city with responsibilities that include coaching principals, coordinating professional development for principals and teachers, strengthening our systems for monitoring and using student data, and conducting frequent learning walks in the schools – all in service of ensuring a world-class, 21st century education for every child in every classroom in the Southwest region.

Mr. Vela comes to Seattle from the Kent School District, where he has held leadership roles for the past 13 years. He was principal at Meridian Elementary, Director of Student Services, and most recently Executive Director, Student and Family Support Services.

Prior to Kent School District, Vela served for 13 years with Lake Washington School District as assistant principal, staff development trainer, and summer instructional technology specialist. Vela’s teaching career includes serving as a fourth and fifth grade teacher in Moses Lake and Lake Washington School Districts.

Vela was named the Kent City of Commerce Educator of the Year in 2007, and has served as board member and president of Kent Youth and Family Services.

Vela earned a principal certification and masters of education in education technology at City University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Central Washington University.

Mr. Israel replaces Carmela Dellino, who left Seattle Public Schools to join the City of Seattle. In her role with the city, Ms. Dellino will work closely with the elementary schools that are recipients of Families & Education Levy funds. We wish Carmela well and thank her for her service to our students and schools.

Please join me in welcoming Israel Vela as Executive Director of Schools for the Southwest Region.

Sincerely,

Jose Banda
Superintendent