North Hill Elementary Principal Kimberly Jones and Assistant Principal Kaitlyn O’Leary said this week that their upcoming move to Des Moines Elementary was voluntary, responding to concerns raised by families following news of the leadership transition.
In a message released Tuesday, May 5 through Highline Public Schools, the two administrators addressed community reaction after parents and community members voiced opposition to the change, including in a recent Letter to the Editor published by The Waterland Blog.
“As we look ahead, we have accepted the invitation to move to Des Moines Elementary together,” Jones and O’Leary wrote. “This is not a decision we made lightly and it was not an involuntary transfer.”
The administrators said they have served the North Hill community for several years, with Jones leading the school for nine years and O’Leary serving for five.
“We have had the joy of watching your children grow and working alongside you to help your children flourish socially, emotionally, and academically,” they wrote.
The letter acknowledged that families and staff have expressed concerns about the transition and advocacy efforts opposing the move.
“We acknowledge that change is difficult and ask that you help focus our collective energy on supporting students and a strong transition,” the administrators stated.
Jones and O’Leary said they are confident North Hill will continue to thrive under new leadership and noted that the school has experienced leadership transitions before.
“Welcoming two new school leaders creates a rare opportunity to strengthen and expand the work we have already done together,” they wrote.
Highline Public Schools has launched a community feedback process using ThoughtExchange, inviting staff, students, families and community members to share what qualities they want in North Hill’s next principal and assistant principal.
According to the district, the feedback period will remain open through May 8 and will help shape the hiring process for the school’s future leadership team.
Jones and O’Leary said they plan to spend the remainder of the school year focused on students and preparing for the transition.
“It has been the highest honor and privilege to serve you and your children, and North Hill will always hold a special place in our hearts,” they wrote.
School District Seeks Input
“As we have shared, Highline will conduct a strategic hiring process to fill both the principal and assistant principal roles at North Hill,” the district said. “As part of that process, you have an opportunity to share your input.
“Using ThoughtExchange, staff, students, families and community members are invited to share what characteristics and strengths are most important in North Hill’s next leaders. You can also review and rate the ideas of others using a five-star scale.
“The exchange will close on May 8.”
