Chief Sealth International High School principal Chris Kinsey leaving

Chief Sealth International High School is the latest West Seattle school to announce a principal change. Just e-mailed by principal Chris Kinsey, who’s led the school for two years:

As we wrap up the school year and begin planning for next year, I am writing to you with a sense of pride and a heavy heart. I write to you with a sense of pride because of all the incredible programs, students, staff, and community that belong to Chief Sealth International. I write to you with a heavy heart because I have decided not to return to Chief Sealth as your Principal.

In my two years as your Principal, I have been extremely proud of how we have grown as a community, flourished as learners, and strengthened each and every program at Sealth — ensuring academic and emotional success for ALL students. In my time at Sealth, I have enjoyed the incredible diversity, remarkable teaching, and the overall commitment and dedication to the students who walk through our doors each and every day. It has been an honor and privilege to work with the staff, students, and community.

I can assure you that I will remain committed to Sealth and will work diligently with Carmela Dellino, Executive Director of Schools for West Seattle, to ensure a successful transition for your next Principal. Ms. Dellino will be working with the staff and community to gather feedback and input into the qualities and characteristics for your next Principal.

I want to thank the students of Sealth for their passion for learning and commitment to changing the world, the Sealth staff for creating opportunities for ALL of our students to find success, and the Sealth community for their dedication and support. You have provided me with passion and inspiration, for that I am grateful.

Kinsey’s predecessor as Chief Sealth principal, John Boyd, was at the school for seven years. District spokesperson Teresa Wippel tells WSB that there is not an interim principal waiting in the wings for a quick announcement – “we will be looking for someone.”

SIDE NOTE: Other West Seattle public schools changing principals for next year include Madison Middle School (here’s our story from earlier this week), Sanislo Elementary (here’s our story from April), and Lafayette Elementary (here’s our story from April). We’ve also reported on an independent-school change – Our Lady of Guadalupe (here’s our story from April),

20 Replies to "Chief Sealth International High School principal Chris Kinsey leaving"

  • Bonnie June 6, 2013 (4:16 pm)

    Interesting. Someone mentioned in the Madison post it seemed like there was a lot of turnover in the Principals…sounds like they were on to something.

  • LBJane June 6, 2013 (4:24 pm)

    Oh! I’m sad. I had found him a refreshing change.

    • WSB June 6, 2013 (4:26 pm)

      Bonnie – I have just taken a pass through the archives and this is the fourth public school changing principals for next year that we have reported on (I will doublecheck websites next to be sure we haven’t missed anyone) – after Madison, Lafayette, and Sanislo. Have added that to the story, as well as, in the independent-school ranks, OLG. Any other local schools changing principals? Please let us know … TR

  • L. June 6, 2013 (4:48 pm)

    Curious where he is going? Better district elsewhere? Having a student in SPS is bad so I can only imagine working for them…

    • WSB June 6, 2013 (4:51 pm)

      L, I have an inquiry out to ask. If and when I get a reply, I’ll add it.

  • Hungry June 6, 2013 (5:29 pm)

    Fingers crossed that Schmitz Park will make the same announcement.

  • L. June 6, 2013 (8:12 pm)

    Hungry – I thought everyone loved the SP principal! I’d love the announcement about Gatewood! Honestly they need to rotate these people through. New blood is needed every so often. You need someone new and energized and enthusiastic to come in. I heard good things about the GW principal but that was years ago. Now she doesn’t answer emails which is critical. It’s time for someone new – why can’t GW and SP swap principals?!

  • Karen June 6, 2013 (9:27 pm)

    I love the GW principle! Having a child with some issues, we have been in contact with the principle MANY times. I have found her to be fair, responsive and able to handle multiple issues with humor and kindness. She knows the kids, she knows the parents. And I love that if you want to find her at school, it will rarely be in her office, usually she is out actually working with the kids or teachers.
    LOVE HER!!

  • sw June 6, 2013 (9:53 pm)

    With all due respect, anyone who wishes for a new principal at Gatewood needs to have their head examined.

  • madashell June 6, 2013 (9:59 pm)

    I would be willing to bet he’s going to Highline SD. He fit the Goodloe-Johnson/Enfield mold. It was under them that he raced through the ranks.

  • ACG June 6, 2013 (10:26 pm)

    Heard Holy Rosary is changing principals, too

  • Observer June 7, 2013 (12:50 am)

    Let’s hope for someone with a clear vision for running the school, and drive to achieve. Too much work has gone into the Sealth community to have a rudderless ship that could quickly veer towards the Sealth of 10+ years ago.

  • N.A. Neighbor June 7, 2013 (7:26 am)

    Hungry, be careful what you wish for. In this district a mediocre principal is something to be thankful for.

  • ws June 7, 2013 (8:55 am)

    Gatewood principal Rhonda has a gift in facilitating an environment of collaboration between teachers. She is often roaming the halls or in classrooms observing. She is an asset to the school.

  • Community Member June 7, 2013 (9:57 am)

    Two years ago SPS held community meetings asking the Sealth/Denny community what they wanted in a principle. They asked for local commitment, local ties, collaboration with the middle school (Denny) and a strong leader. I am sorry to say but bringing in someone from another highschool who does not know the community and lives outside the community (I believe he did his internship in the West Seattle community), was not at many events nor communicated or made his presence known to the community. Maybe now the district will look locally and actually get what the community asked for. If you are going to ask, you should probably listen.

  • Ted Reed June 7, 2013 (11:01 am)

    Principal Kinsey’s resignation came as a surprise to all of us.
    The CSIHS PTSA board will be working with Carmela Dellino,the staff & administration at CSIHS, and our community members to responsibly fill the vacant positions at the school.

    Please visit our website for updates.
    http://chiefsealthptsa.org

    Ted Reed
    President, CSIHS PTSA

  • dindi June 7, 2013 (1:35 pm)

    Holy Rosary is losing their principal again. He only lasted 2 years.

  • Curtis June 7, 2013 (4:09 pm)

    Can I just give a quick shout out to Ruth Medsker, Jennifer Kniseley and Michael Kelly. I have had a kid at WSHS for 3 years now and one of the consistent comments I hear from the teachers is that this is the best administration they have ever worked for. I have heard that said from different teachers and on more than one occasion. Of course, I’m hoping not to jinx anything as I have 3 more years to be a parent at WSHS.

  • silverback June 7, 2013 (6:20 pm)

    I am sure they will end up with someone who is a much better fit.

  • george June 11, 2013 (11:09 pm)

    I think Hungry is confusing the issue of bad teachers needing replacement (which is happening) rather than a new principal.

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