Lake Stevens School District board selects Dr. Mary Templeton as superintendent, effective July 1

The Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors voted at a special meeting April 19 to appoint Dr. Mary Templeton as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. Director David Iseminger moved to select Templeton; Director Vildan Kirby seconded the motion. President Taylor called for a roll call vote and stated, “the motion carries.” The transcript does not include a vote tally.

The appointment followed a multi-step hiring process. The board interviewed six semifinalists on April 13 with 11 in-person observers and 76 viewers on Zoom. Search consultants scheduled three finalists for day-long visits so each candidate could meet with employee groups, students, administrators, families and community members. According to the board, feedback collected before, during and after those visits helped members weigh each candidate’s strengths and considerations.

Board members praised the search process and the consultants who led it. Director Paul Lund thanked the community and consultants for their work. Director Nina Hanson expressed appreciation for feedback from administration and staff. Director Vildan Kirby said the choice was difficult and thanked the community for participating. Director David Iseminger said the board sought “the whole package,” noted the importance of student input and added, “LSSD is the best district in the galaxy!” President Taylor thanked residents and staff for their engagement and said she believed the decision will benefit the district.

The transcript records that the board met in a brief executive session at 9:00 a.m. to deliberate applicants and the selection process; no action was taken during that executive session. The special session was called to order at 9:20 a.m. and adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Dr. Mary Templeton’s appointment is effective July 1, 2024. The board’s public record of the special meeting shows the motion, mover and seconder, but does not include the individual roll-call votes in the transcript provided.