This just in from the Bainbridge Public Schools:
On Tuesday, October 23, Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent
Dr. Ken Crawford announced to staff his plan to retire. In tandem with Dr.
Crawford’s plans for retirement, the School Board announced Tuesday that
Deputy Superintendent Faith Chapel has agreed to assume leadership of the
district as the new superintendent.
“Both the Board and I wanted an early announcement that would support a
comprehensive transition. This plan should mitigate the disruption that can
otherwise come with an abrupt succession in leadership,” stated Dr.
Crawford.
During his tenure, Dr. Crawford has emphasized the importance of providing
staff with the support and resources to be successful. According to
Crawford, “It is all about the retention, recruitment, and support of truly
exceptional educators. When you have solid professionals in the right
place, with contemporary training and resources, everything falls together
for the students.”
Since Dr. Crawford’s arrival a decade ago, he has stressed the importance
of building relationships – between teachers and students, teachers and
parents, schools and community. Students, he has emphasized, will go out of
their way to work hard and learn for teachers with whom they have a good
relationship.
Believing that a presence in the schools, at student events, and across the
community is essential for an educational leader, Dr. Crawford has been
what he terms “a stay at home superintendent.” Bainbridge High School
Principal Brent Peterson noted, “Ken’s presence and visibility in our
schools has made a real difference.” His open door policy, personal caring,
and comfortable use of humor have positively impacted the district’s
climate. “How many superintendents would receive a spontaneous standing
ovation after a graduation speech to students or a welcome-back
presentation to staff?” commented Pam Keyes, Communications Coordinator.
This formula for stronger relationships has supported student achievement.
Under his leadership, the school system’s scholastic standing has increased
by several measures. The schools’ WASL results are consistently ranked at
the top statewide. Graduation rates have improved nearly ten percentage
points to 98.4 percent, which is considered among the state’s and nation’s
highest. Dr. Crawford credits this success to “an incredible staff,
involved parents, and supportive community.”
There also has been a strong focus on fiscal responsibility. Dr. Crawford
is highly regarded statewide for both his detailed knowledge about, and
advocacy for improvements in, school funding. He has steered the district
through some difficult economic times with great success. During his
tenure, the district’s bond rating has improved twice, saving the community
hundreds of thousands in bond interest dollars.
Dr. Crawford began his career in 1972 as a special education teacher and
school counselor. Prior to Bainbridge, he had been Interim Superintendent
and Assistant Superintendent of the much larger Battle Ground School
District. According to Dr. Crawford, the moderate size of this district
brings a more personal and genuine atmosphere: “I feel part of a family and
community. Being able to know staff, children, and parents on a personal
level has been my greatest joy.”
Faith Chapel will assume her new responsibilities as superintendent in July
2008.
“Our charge was to find the best possible candidate for the job,” noted
School Board President Mary Curtis. “We found that person in Faith, and
we’re delighted that she’s accepted the position.”
Chapel came to the Bainbridge Island School District in 2001, when she was
appointed Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services. She brought
knowledge from suburban school districts in three states, as well as her
more recent experience as the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning
in Central Kitsap School District. Her exemplary leadership in Bainbridge
schools is built upon this exceptional foundation.
The search for Chapel’s replacement will begin immediately. To ensure a
smooth transition as these changes take effect next summer, Crawford will
remain with the district for a few months in a new role as “superintendent
emeritus.” He will work collaboratively with Chapel, completing special
projects and providing transitional support to the district leadership team.
