West Seattle schools: Cindy Chaput chosen as new Lafayette Elementary principal

Thanks to the Lafayette Elementary parents who forwarded the announcement of a new principal – which also notes the district has filled the position of executive director of Southwest-area schools:

Dear Lafayette Elementary School Community,

As many of you know, Principal Robert Gallagher recently resigned his position to accept a new position with the Kent School District. Today, I am pleased to announce Ms. Cindy Chaput has been selected as the new principal for Lafayette Elementary School.

Ms. Chaput currently serves as a Dean of Students in the Federal Way School District, and she is thrilled to join the Lafayette community and Seattle Public Schools.

The interview team, which included Lafayette staff and community members, and two elementary principals from the West Seattle region, was impressed with Ms. Chaput and her passion to see all students succeed, her exceptional reading and literacy background, her extensive instructional coaching experience, her focus on technology integration, her ability to create sustainable systems and her commitment to meaningful family engagement. In addition to leadership and instructional work with Federal Way School District, Ms. Chaput has also been a leader, instructional coach and classroom teacher in the Renton and Kent school districts. A current Doctoral Candidate at Seattle Pacific University, Ms. Chaput earned her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction as well as her Principal Certificate from Gonzaga University; her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Central Washington University; and her Bachelor of Science from State University of New York, College at Brockport. In 2011, she became a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.

As hiring is always a challenge during summer months, we especially want to thank the Lafayette staff and community who volunteered to serve on the interview team. Their pride and passion for working at Lafayette was evident throughout the entire process and directly influenced the final recommendation forwarded to the Chief of Schools and my office.

Ms. Chaput will join us shortly. She will work with staff and PTSA members, as well as the newly named Executive Director of Schools for the Southwest Region, Helen Joung, to schedule opportunities for students, staff and the families of Lafayette to meet their new principal.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Chaput as the new principal of Lafayette Elementary School.

Sincerely,
Larry Nyland, Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools

Ex-principal Gallagher’s departure was announced three weeks ago.

2 Replies to "West Seattle schools: Cindy Chaput chosen as new Lafayette Elementary principal"

  • Nw mama August 5, 2016 (8:23 pm)

    I hope she is awesome!  Lafayette deserves an inspiring leader. 

  • Admiral Mom August 6, 2016 (7:07 am)

    All schools deserve an inspiring leader.

    And all regions need a competent executive director.

    Hoping for good outcomes.

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