The Seattle School Board announced Wednesday night that it has selected Denise Juneau as the final candidate for its next superintendent.
The board unanimously voted to enter contract negotiations with Juneau to take helm of the district on July 1.
"Selecting a superintendent is the most important responsibility a school board has,” said board president Leslie Harris. “Throughout this process, this board has sought feedback, listened closely and thoughtfully reflected on what characteristics we need in our next superintendent."
Juneau is a former state superintendent in Montana. She was among three finalists for the position. Andre Spencer, a superintendent in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jeanice Kerr Swift of Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan were also in the running for superintendent.
Juneau is an enrolled member of the Mandan Hidatsa Tribes and a descendant of the Blackfeet tribe. In 2008, she became the first American Indian woman in the country ever elected to an executive statewide office. In 2012, she was reelected to a second term as Montana's superintendent of public instruction.
“We were thrilled with the quality of candidates, making this a harder decision than any of us expected. Our community and staff have high expectations for Seattle Schools. Denise Juneau is the right pick to fulfill our promise of equity and excellence. We have no time to lose on making the best education possible for every student, every day and in every classroom. Education is truly the key to the city’s future, and together, we have to unlock the doors," Harris said.
The board is scheduled to vote on April 25 to approve a final contract with Juneau.
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