PORT TOWNSEND—When school begins on Sept. 8, two of the district’s three schools will be under new leadership.
Lisa Condron, 47, last employed by the Skagit Valley School District, takes over at Grant Street Elementary School from Mary Sepler, who moved to the Bellingham School District after her husband was hired as that city’s planning director.
Matthew Holshouser, 44, takes over as principal at Blue Heron Middle School from Diane Lashinsky, who moved to Seattle to pursue other opportunities.
“It’s a great community and a great school district that has unlimited opportunity for excitement,” Holshouser said.
“This is a dream scenario.”
Holshouser, who was last employed as principal in an English language elementary school in Rio de Janeiro, was quickly hired in June after a previous job candidate declined the position.
The shift echoes a similar change in 2012, when Sepler and Lashinsky both began their leadership positions.
Superintendent David Engle’s contract now extends through the 2015-2016 school year.
Port Townsend High School Principal Carrie Ehrhardt, who was hired in 2001, is currently the longest serving administrator.
Both new principals see their new opportunities as unique.
“When I first walked into Grant Street, I felt it was unique for a small school to have such strong academic, social and emotional support for the students from the community,” Condran said.
“The connection to the Maritime Discovery Initiative is inspiring and visionary, I am impressed how everyone is willing to come together for the students.”
Both Holshouser and Condran are in their fourth week on the job, although Condran has spent a lot of time in the district since her April hire date.
“I’ve already been welcomed,” Holshouser said.
“It’s unique how the community really brings itself into the school here. I am hearing from a lot of people who want to volunteer and contribute.”
Neither has immediate goals beyond getting to know the district, its people and its procedures.
“This is a great place for kids and families, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Holshouser,
“I’m excited to be here and can’t wait for school to start.”
Both are aware of budget constraints but feel these challenges can be overcome.
“We need to prioritize the needs in the school and make sure the funds are available to support those things,” Condran said.
“One of my priorities is providing teachers with the time to collaborate in order to improve instruction.”
“Kids need to be first and we need to do what we can to support the teachers,” said Holshouser,
“Budget issues will always exist in a public setting so you need to be creative.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
