PORT TOWNSEND — Chimacum and Port Townsend school boards have chosen their new superintendents.
The joint superintendent search by the two districts concluded Wednesday night as they each unanimously chose a new superintendent for their respective districts.
Port Townsend School District’s new superintendent will be Linda Rosenbury of Burien, and Chimacum School District’s new superintendent will be Scott Mauk of Edmonds.
Leaders from both districts highlighted how successful they felt the collaboration has been and that they expect Rosenbury and Mauk will work well together as the districts continue future collaborations.
“It has taken a village to get to this point,” said Jennifer James-Wilson, Port Townsend school board member, during Wednesday’s meeting.
Nathanael O’Hara, Port Townsend School Board president, praised Rosenbury in a press release.
“In a strong pool of candidates, Linda’s exceptional instructional leadership and commitment to equity for all students stood out,” he said.
“We are excited for her to be our next superintendent and continue to move our teaching and learning and place-based education programs forward.”
Rosenbury is a doctoral resident in Highline Public Schools, where she works with the superintendent and district leaders. She has 19 years of experience in education and has also worked as a teacher and a principal, according to a press release from the districts.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a master’s from Mercy College, and is completing a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard University.
“I am thrilled to join the Port Townsend School District,” Rosenbury said in the press release. “Throughout the interview process, I was inspired by the dedicated staff, students, board members and community partners I met.
“I am excited to join the team and further our vision of providing a place-based education to every student. Together we will make sure that each one of our amazing students graduates prepared for the future they choose.”
Chimacum School Board President Kristina Mayer is delighted to welcome Mauk to the district.
“He is a visionary leader and is highly personable,” she said in the press release. “He values teacher leadership, integrated project-based learning and brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in social emotional learning. We look forward to his leadership, compassion and his aspiration to know every child and their family.”
Mauk is the current principal at Edmonds Heights K-12, Alternative Learning Experience in the Edmonds School District. Prior to working there, he worked in the South Whidbey School District for 17 years as a teacher, program director, athletic director and assistant principal, according to the press release.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, a master’s in teaching from The Evergreen State College and a doctorate of education from Seattle Pacific University.
“I am excited and delighted to lead and learn with you,” Mauk said. “My wife, Maggie, and I are thrilled to become part of the community and to be joining in your dedication to families and students.
“I look forward to serving you to meet the needs of all of our unique learners in this extraordinary place.”
Both superintendents will start July 1. However, Chimacum acting superintendent David Engle said during Wednesday’s meeting that they may start training early during the coming months.
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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5, or at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com.