Dr. Brent Jones will take over as interim superintendent of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) a few months earlier than expected. Jones, who will replace current superintendent Denise Juneau on May 1, was originally expected to assume the role as interim superintendent after Juneau’s contract expired on June 30.
In December 2020, Juneau announced her decision to leave the district by the end of June 2021. Dr. Jones was identified as the interim superintendent in February 2021 and is available to assume his new role in May.
“It makes sense for our students, families, teachers and staff to make this change in May,” said Juneau, who will remain in the Seattle area and be available as a resource to the new leadership to help with the transition. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past few years and especially during this difficult year of so many adjustments due to the COVID pandemic.”
Under Superintendent Juneau’s leadership, Seattle Public Schools developed a strong strategic plan, “Seattle Excellence,” that has focused on supporting students of color furthest from educational justice, especially Black boys and teens. Her focus on implementing the strategic plan has resulted in the district exceeding hiring goals for educators and staff of color by more than 10 percent, introducing expanded and new identity-affirming courses like Native-focused courses and Black studies. She also established a new Office of African American Male Achievement.
“We are grateful to both Superintendent Juneau and Dr. Brent Jones for committing to making this leadership transition as seamless as possible. Transitions are always difficult and to undertake such a major one during a time of constant change and uncertainty makes us that much more grateful in their willingness to ensure strong continuity of leadership,” Said SPS Board President Chandra Hampson:
According to SPS, students will begin to return to classrooms beginning in late March and having the new interim superintendent in place will more time for Jones and his team to help students, teachers, staff, and families as they resume more in-person learning and to help determine how schools will operate beginning in the fall.
“My vision is to create responsive systems that ensure each student has the opportunity to be competitive in their chosen field, be a great citizen and become self- actualized,” Jones stated. ”I will stand with and for community to drive toward relevant and meaningful student outcomes. In doing so, we aim to cultivate public trust, commitment and confidence.”
The search for a permanent superintendent will continue with extensive community engagement planned for fall 2021. The search is expected to conclude in the spring of 2022 with a final decision by the SPS board in April/May 2022.
