New principal for Middle and High schools

A new principal has been selected to lead the La Conner High School and Middle School after a quick and efficient search to replace current secondary principal, Cheryl Sullivan, who turned in her resignation notice in April.

Her replacement—pending board approval—will be Todd Torgeson, currently an assistant principal at Sedro-Woolley High School but a familiar face in La Conner.

During his 24-year long education career, Torgeson has previously worked for the La Conner School district as a teacher, athletic director and coach for several sports from 1997 to 2002. He has also worked for the Concrete School District.

Nine candidates applied for the position, which was open for two weeks, Superintendent Peg Seeling said. Three top candidates were then selected to give a public interview at a community forum last Thursday.

But prior to the forum, one of the candidates accepted a position at another location, Seeling said, and so did the runner-up “fourth” candidate.

The remaining two candidates put their best foot forward in their speeches to the small group of about 25 people, a mix of school staff, parents and community members.

After the presentations by candidates Torgeson and Michelle Bruski-Dumpert, the attendees asked them questions and rated the speakers on feedback sheets for the hiring team, which included Seeling and incoming superintendent Whitney Meisner.

The most common topic of concern from the audience were the candidates’ views on student discipline, to which Torgeson answered that there must be clear and fair consequences for misbehavior, but also that staff can look for “teachable moments” and find solutions that will change a student’s behavior.

In his interview, Torgeson emphasized his belief that “every student can learn.”

The school’s announcement the next day said, “Torgeson was the clear favorite with all groups.”

Sullivan, who was hired two years ago from the Chief Sealth School District in Seattle, cited “personal reasons” when reached for comment on her resignation.

Torgeson’s starting day of July 1 dovetails with the first official day on the job for Meissner as the district’s new Superintendent. Current superintendent Peg Seeling is retiring, after having been a teacher, coach, principal and administrator in La Conner for generations of students.

Torgeson is married to Paula, a first-grade teacher in the Sedro-Woolley School District, and they have three children, Terrel, Taylor and Emma.

“La Conner is a really special place and I’m excited to come back to it,” he said.

Among his goals are to be present in both schools and to improve student attendance.