Parents, staff, educators, and a child as young as 6-years-old spoke at the May 6, 2026, Highline School Board meeting where North Hill Elementary School was front and center for discussion.

Public comment reflected grievances about lack of transparency amid the imminent relocation of two North Hill prominent figures – Principal Kimberly Jones and Assistant Principal Kaitlyn O’Leary – who were being transitioned to fill voids at Des Moines Elementary School. The move was to commence at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The public was told the move was voluntary, however, that’s since been disputed.

Either way, that move has now been scrapped.

Kristen Price, a North Hill parent and supporter of the school, said she met with Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Reinig Thursday morning, May 14 to provide updates she received through an email address she set up for North Hill parents and staff. Price said many of them do not feel comfortable voicing discord with the District and communicate via these means instead.

In a joint statement to The B-Town Blog, Price and fellow North Hill parent Katie Paulson iterated:

“Our focus has always been on the stability of our school and the well-being of the educators who serve our children. We are incredibly grateful that our leadership team is remaining at North Hill, and we would like to thank Dr. [Ivan] Duran, the Highline Board, and the District for listening to our concerns and making this decision.”

The statement continued:

“Our staff is at the heart of this community, and we are happy to get back to the business of supporting them and celebrating our students’ success. The Force is definitely with North Hill today.”

Price said she plans to continue meeting with the powers-that-be to foster transparency and communicate any ongoing community concerns.

“I’m hopeful the District can move quickly to reestablish trust so we won’t feel this [group email] is necessary long term,” Price said. “Staff can feel free and safe to continue to submit to protecthighlineeducators@protonmail.com.”

Superintendent Duran Responds

The B-Town Blog reached out to Superintendent Duran for comment, and here’s his response:

“Dear North Hill Families,

“Thank you to every North Hill student, family and staff member who shared feedback through the ThoughtExchange about the qualities valued most in a school leadership team.  It is clear the community deeply values the leadership strengths Kimberly Jones and Kaitlyn O’Leary bring to their roles.

“We are also grateful to the many members of the North Hill community who took time to share their perspectives and advocate for North Hill through emails and attendance at the school board meeting. We have heard you and understand your concerns.

“Over the past week, North Hill school leadership and Highline executive leadership have reconsidered Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary’s appointment at Des Moines Elementary School.

“Together, we have decided Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary will remain at North Hill.

“Ms. Jones and Ms. O’Leary remain committed to North Hill, and we look forward to the continued work ahead together.

“As a result of this decision, we will reopen the hiring process to identify leadership for Des Moines Elementary School.

“Thank you,
“Dr. Duran”