As your new superintendent, I am honored and humbled to take on the responsibility of leading this organization and, most importantly, to ensure that every student graduates from Lake Washington School District future ready. In the process of becoming your superintendent, I shared with parents, staff and community members my beliefs and commitments. I share them again in writing here.

First, I believe strongly in our mission and in our vision of “Every Student Future Ready.” Our mission and vision is focused on equity and excellence for all students. As a public school district, we are responsible for the futures of all students, no matter their background, home situation or family resources. I believe that every student can learn. It is our responsibility to help each and every student to learn, grow, and be challenged to do their very best each and every day.

As an educational leader, I value learning, and I believe in the importance of student learning, professional learning and organizational learning. We must continue to improve student learning, and the professionals in the system must continue to learn and grow so we can best serve our students. As an organization, we must continue to learn ways to improve our systems and processes. This is challenging work that requires collaboration, respectful working relationships, and a positive attitude.

I also believe that strong school systems are an integral and important part of strong communities. Families want the best for their children and are attracted to areas with good schools; strong communities build strong schools, and strong schools build strong communities.

I am currently working with our Board and leadership team to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the district. My goal is to ensure that we focus our resources and efforts on the work that will improve learning. I have been personally involved in the development of the vision and in the development and implementation of our strategic work over the past five years. I recognize that with limited resources, we must focus our work and resources on the efforts that will move us toward that vision most effectively.

Most immediately, we are completing some important work this fall. We open with the significant shift to grades K-5 elementary schools, grades 6-8 middle schools and four-year high schools. We have been working hard to ensure a smooth transition for students and families. We will launch a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math high school that will also help us improve our teaching and learning in those subjects across the district.

In addition, this year, several schools – Keller Elementary, Muir Elementary and Sandburg/Discovery Community Schools – will move into new school buildings thanks to a voter-approved bond. By the middle of the year, secondary school students will all have access to their own netbook computer, again, thanks to a voter-approved levy. I am grateful to the voters in Lake Washington School District who have repeatedly supported providing our students with excellent learning environments and technology.

I am very proud of the district for the work we have been doing and the work we have yet to do. As superintendent you can expect me to lead ethically, and with integrity and transparency. I believe the superintendent should be visible and involved, and I will work hard for the betterment of the LWSD and the communities and students we serve. I am proud of my 17 years of service in the district and I look forward to many future years of service as Lake Washington School District superintendent.

Dr. Traci Pierce
Superintendent
Lake Washington School District