Superintendent Search

 

A NEW SUPERINTENDENT IS COMING TO EATONVILLE

2020-2021 Superintendent Search

SCHOOL BOARD NAMES GARY NEAL AS NEXT SUPERINTENDENT

The Eatonville School District Board of Directors announced Wednesday, May 19th that Gary Neal, Consultant of K-12 Programs, Vanir Construction Management will be the district’s next Superintendent. 

The board chose Neal to be Eatonville School District’s next leader after a multi-state Superintendent search process led by consultant, Dr. Art Jarvis. Preliminary interviews were held with semi-finalists on Saturday, May 8th and Monday, May 10th.  Full day second interviews with various staff groups and the community were held with the three finalist candidates, Gary Neal (May 11), Jay Brower (May 12) and Jeff Dillon (May 13).  

Eatonville School Board President, Jeff Lucas, stated, "The board has spent time reviewing all stakeholder input from parents, students, community, staff and administrators.”

Lucas said, “We chose Mr. Neal for his track record of listening to students, innovation in STEM and CTE programs and his work in equity and social/ emotional support, including working with the legislature on anti-harassment/ bullying programs.”

Neal is excited to become Eatonville School District’s next leader. "I was very excited when the superintendent position opened in Eatonville and for the opportunity to work for a progressive and innovative district. Eatonville School District is known for its supportive and involved community powered by a passionate staff and School Board. I am humbled and honored to have been selected and look forward to getting to work!"

The administrative team is excited that Mr. Neal is bringing a wealth of knowledge around instructional practices and teaching and learning. The administration is grateful to have an experienced leader at the helm of the district who can continue guiding our work forward with the staff, students and community.

During the Superintendent search process, all staff, families and community members had an opportunity to take a survey to inform the district about the personal attributes and qualities they saw in each of the candidates aspiring to be the next leader of Eatonville School District. 

Current Superintendent, Krestin Bahr, who has been the Superintendent of Eatonville since 2013, is transitioning to Peninsula School District on June 30th, 2021.

The board will finalize the contract for Neal at its regular meeting on Wednesday May 26th, and he will officially assume the position on July 1, 2021.