Seeling takes schools helm

Monday’s meeting of the La Conner School Board was the last time Superintendent Tim Bruce sat at the dais with the board members.

Before the meeting’s end, he surrendered his chair and School Board President Rick Thompson administered the oath of office to Peg Seeling, who took over for Bruce.

Just before he joined the audience, one of Bruce’s last tasks was to sign the district’s contract with Northwest Leadership Associates, the firm that will conduct a search for a new superintendent.

“This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever signed in my life,” Bruce said, putting his name to the document that will begin the hunt for his permanent replacement.

After 26 years on the job, he’s leaving to take a professorship at Western Washington University teaching up-and-coming school administrators.

Seeling, who has been an administrator for years and was previously a school principal, has agreed to serve as superintendent for one year until a permanent replacement is found.

Between now and when school starts in September, she will be overseeing new hires and saying goodbye to some longtime staff members.

On Friday it was announced that the list of resignations includes music teacher Brian Fraser, English teacher Sally Schroeder and second-grade teacher Sue Abrahamse, all of whom have accepted administrative positions in other districts, Seeling said.

Football Coach Johnny Lee announced his departure for a better paying position a couple of weeks ago, and the board formally accepted his resignation Monday, as well.

A lower levy rate as well as financial uncertainties with potential action on school funding by the state Legislature and the continuing effects of the so-called Great Wolf Lodge decision have caused the district to trim its budget for the upcoming 2016-17 school year.

At Monday’s meeting, the board approved replacements for two sports that have been eliminated: golf and wrestling. La Conner is combining athletic programs with the Anacortes School District for those two sports, meaning La Conner wrestlers and golfers can join the Anacortes team.

The board approved a similar agreement with the Mount Vernon School District for students who wish to compete in cross country events.

Meanwhile, also because of budget cuts, the school district office will be closed for the summer. However, Seeling and Finance Director Bonnie Haley will be available by appointment.

Since nobody will be in the district office to answer the phones, email is the best way to make an appointment. Contact Peg Seeling at [email protected], and Bonnie Haley can be reached at [email protected].