Search to begin for long-term district leader

The Northshore School Board last week approved a contract for Dr. Dolores Gibbons to serve as the district’s interim superintendent through June 2008.

Dr. Gibbons joined the district in September as Special Assistant to the Superintendent to support the district’s late superintendent, Dr. Karen Forys, while she was undergoing cancer treatment. Dr. Forys passed away on Sept. 17.

Dr. Gibbons, who retired as superintendent of the Renton School District in June 2006, was highly recommended for her experience, ethics, judgment, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of school district issues. She served for nine years as the superintendent of the Renton School District and, prior to that, spent six years as the superintendent of schools in Mt. Vernon. Her leadership during the past month has been greaatly appreciated by school staff and school board members.

“Dr. Gibbons has been a blessing for our district,” said School Board President B-Z Davis. “She has quickly become part of our community and a source of valuable expertise, which will help immensely as the School Board searches for a new superintendent.”

Dr. Gibbons does not plan to apply for the position of Northshore superintendent. The search for a new district leader will begin immediately in order to have a new superintendent in place for the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.

The School Board plans to provide opportunities for parents, staff and community members to participate in the search process. More information about the superintendent search will be provided at www.nsd.org as it is available. The Northshore School District serves 20,000 students in Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville.