SCHOOLS: Seattle’s interim superintendent is offered the permanent job

West Seattle’s representative on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, Leslie Harris, was the only “no” vote this morning as the board voted to offer interim superintendent Dr. Brent Jones the permanent job. The 6-1 vote came during a special board meeting. The board had hired a consulting firm that launched a “national search” two months ago, but no other candidates had been announced. Dr. Jones has been interim superintendent for 10 months, following the departure of Denise Juneau after just under three years. The announcement of today’s vote says contract negotiations will start immediately; the interim role carried a $315,000 salary.

Pete March 4, 2022 (3:26 pm)

Do we know why our West Seattle residing representative was the sole no vote?

WSB March 4, 2022 (4:26 pm)

We’re asking.
- Ghill March 4, 2022 (8:30 pm)
  
  Lack of community engagement is what I understood.

K March 4, 2022 (7:04 pm)

I’ve been pretty happy with his commitment to open the schools for full time in person learning this school year. For that reason alone, I’d continue to give him a chance.

Mary March 5, 2022 (10:39 am)

She voted no for lack of community engagement. I like Jones, but the Board missed an opportunity to learn his vision and approach for his time on the job by not holding a competitive process. $315k/yr, $1B budget, 50k students. It’s a big job; I’d like more details.

wsteacher March 5, 2022 (4:33 pm)

This is disappointing. He has had no engagement with WS schools as far I know. The lines of communication from district offices to schools has been worse than they were under Juneau. All of the communication to SEA union staff from district offices has had the tone of “my way or the highway” instead of collaborative problem solving.