Superintendent Bio
Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent
Dr. Jon Holmen serves as Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Lake Washington School District, providing strategic leadership for one of Washington State's largest and highest-performing public school systems. A dedicated educator with more than 27 years of experience in public education, Dr. Holmen became the district's 13th superintendent on July 1, 2020. Having spent his entire professional career in Lake Washington, he brings a deep understanding of the district's history, culture, and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Holmen began his career as a third-grade teacher at Benjamin Rush Elementary School and has served students, staff, and families in a variety of roles across the district. His experience spans classroom teaching, school administration, special education leadership, district operations, and executive leadership. Before becoming superintendent, he served as Deputy Superintendent and Associate Superintendent, helping shape district initiatives in teaching and learning, student services, human resources, technology, communications, and organizational improvement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Holmen has remained focused on creating exceptional experiences for every student while ensuring that schools are safe, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of an increasingly diverse community. His leadership is guided by the belief that every student deserves exceptional experiences that prepare them for an extraordinary future, and that achieving this vision requires strong relationships, inclusive practices, continuous improvement, and authentic partnerships with families and the community.
As superintendent, Dr. Holmen guided Lake Washington School District through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a focus on the long-term success of students and the organization. He led the development and adoption of the district's Strategic Framework, Extraordinary Futures Start Today: Exceptional Experiences for Each Learner, which articulates the district's commitments to students, families, staff, and the broader community. The framework serves as a roadmap for preparing every student for an extraordinary future through exceptional learning experiences, meaningful relationships, and a culture of belonging.
Dr. Holmen is deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels known, valued, and supported. Under his leadership, the district continues to strengthen inclusive practices, expand student supports, and engage students, families, staff, and community members in shaping the future of Lake Washington schools. He believes that educational excellence and inclusion go hand in hand, and that strong public schools play a vital role in creating thriving communities.
A strong advocate for collaboration and transparency, Dr. Holmen has championed innovative approaches to community engagement, strategic planning, and data-informed decision making. He has led successful districtwide initiatives, including levy and bond planning efforts, long-range facilities planning, boundary review processes, and the development of systems that support both instructional and operational excellence.
Dr. Holmen is also committed to responsible stewardship of public resources. Under his leadership, the district has maintained strong financial stability through strategic prioritization, transparent decision-making, and long-term planning. Lake Washington School District is recognized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a financially stable district and has earned national recognition for excellence in budget development and fiscal management.
Student and staff safety remain among Dr. Holmen's highest priorities. He supports a comprehensive, layered approach to school safety that includes prevention, preparedness, mental health supports, strong community partnerships, and collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. He believes that creating a safe learning environment requires attention to both physical safety and the overall well-being of students and staff.
Beyond his work in Lake Washington, Dr. Holmen is an active advocate for public education throughout Washington State. He serves as Chair of the Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC) Administrative Council, is a board member of the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS), and collaborates with educational, business, and community leaders to expand opportunities for students and strengthen public education.
Dr. Holmen earned a doctorate in Executive Leadership from Seattle Pacific University. His doctoral research focused on the relationship between effective school board governance and improved student achievement. He also holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University and a Master in Teaching from City University.
Dr. Holmen and his wife, Rachel, have lived and served the Eastside community for more than two decades. They had three children attend and graduate from Lake Washington schools. As educators, they believe in the power of inclusion, the importance of public education, and the role strong schools play in building vibrant communities. Outside of work, Jon and Rachel enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with their dog Cooper.