12:34 PM: After seven years, West Seattle High School principal Ruth Medsker is moving on. We noticed in this week’s edition of the school newsletter that WSHS parents are being sought for a hiring team to choose a new principal, so we inquired with the district’s communications office, where director Carri Campbell told us that Medsker will be the new principal at Lincoln High School, which is being modernized to reopen in north Seattle, explaining that she “is coming on early to lead the design of the school (i.e. vision, focus, courses) and will stay on as the principal.”

Medsker was appointed as WSHS principal six years ago, after almost a year as interim principal; before that, she spent five years at district HQ as director of middle and K-8 education. Campbell says an announcement’s already gone out to WSHS families and that a district-wide announcement is due later this week. We have a message out to principal Medsker for comment. (Above right, 2016 WSB photo)

ADDED MONDAY EVENING: The district provided us with the message Medsker sent to the WSHS community:

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I have been appointed as the principal of the ‘New Lincoln’ High School, scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. I am honored to lead the opening of the first comprehensive high school in Seattle since Nathan Hale opened in 1963. Opening a new high school feels like a capstone project; putting to use all I have learned during my career; most prominently my work at West Seattle High School and my work with implementing the new state graduation requirements and the recommendations set forth by the 24-credit task force. While I am sad to leave behind the West Seattle community, I am excited to continue to grow and develop as an educator and have the opportunity to lead the creation of school for the Innovation Era.

It has been a privilege to serve as the principal of West Seattle High School for the past seven years. I have loved my time working with an exceptional group of students, a dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together we have worked to build a school characterized by collaboration, academic excellence, acceptance, compassion, and positive outcomes for all students. West Seattle High School is a school where staff, students, and parents work together for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of each and every child.

As the 2016-2017 year winds down and planning for next year and beyond is taking place, I am confident that the West Seattle community will continue to grow and thrive. Your unwavering commitment to the school, its students, and staff, will ensure that the mission of success and excellence will persist.

The hiring process for my replacement will commence immediately. The district will keep you updated on the process.

Thank you for an amazing seven years!