Big news for West Seattle’s biggest elementary school: Lafayette Elementary in the Admiral District is getting a new principal. After seven years as Lafayette principal, Virginia Turner is moving to Coe Elementary in the north end. Here’s her announcement in the school newsletter, shared with us by a parent:

I wanted to let you know that I have made the decision not to return to Lafayette next year. I feel it is time for new leadership at the school, and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading a new school. I will be the Principal at Coe Elementary on Queen Anne Hill next year.

I am so grateful for the kindness and support you have given me during my tenure at Lafayette. Lafayette is a remarkable school, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with you the past 7 years. Thank you for allowing me to work with your children. It has been so rewarding to be a part of their learning, development, and growth.

The new principal for Lafayette is an experienced principal named Jo (Lute-Ervin) who is currently the Principal at Tops K-8. Previous to that position she was principal for 9 years at Leschi Elementary. I know you will welcome her as she becomes a part of the Lafayette community.

Lute-Ervin has been principal at TOPS for two years. Lafayette’s student population has grown dramatically in the past few years, well past 500 students; a double-size portable was moved onto school grounds last winter to house some of the overflow.