New La Conner Schools chief wraps up busy summer

The doctor is in.

And has been all summer, putting in long hours to master a steep learning curve as the new Superintendent of La Conner Schools.

Dr. Whitney Meissner has taken a rain check on the traditional laid-back school vacation schedule, instead cramming on a wide range of policy, finance, and curriculum matters unique to the local district since her July 1 start.

She has had to be a quick study.

Meissner was hired earlier this year to succeed interim superintendent Peg Seeling, who retired after filling a host of instructional and administrative roles over the course of more than 30 years on La Conner campuses.

Seeling, in turn, had followed longtime La Conner Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tim Bruce, who championed capital improvements and performing and fine arts here before joining the faculty at Western Washington University in 2016.

Meissner, a lifelong advocate for and 25-year veteran of public education, embraced her busy summer assignment, and now looks forward to making a strong pitch on behalf of La Conner Schools.

“There haven’t been any real surprises,” says Meissner, whose has family in Sedro-Wooley, where she grew up. She is well acquainted with La Conner’s strong academic tradition. “The great thing about La Conner is that it’s big enough to offer a variety of programs but small enough so that everybody knows each other by their first name.”

She has perspective, having worked at both large (Federal Way and Snohomish) and small (Chimacum) districts.

Meissner hit the ground running, attending a Swinomish Tribal Senate session, meeting with various civic, farm, and business leaders and becoming a member of the La Conner Rotary Club.

She has familiarized herself with long established district policies and procedures as well as new curricula, including “Healing of the Canoe,” an acclaimed culturally-grounded prevention and intervention life skills and positive choices program.

“The canoe,” she says, “is a metaphor that represents how students can successfully navigate their way through life.”

It is also an ideal way to incorporate Tribal history into the classroom, says Meissner.

“It’s a wonderful program,” she says.

Meissner has likewise reviewed the complex tax and funding impacts generated by the controversial Great Wolf Lodge decision, and has been kept apprised of the status of the long-pursued Safe Routes to School initiative.

Much of her first year will involve keeping tabs on the ever fluid saga of state funding levels for public schools leading into the 2018 budget cycle.

But Meissner vows not to be a slave to impersonal data sheets, policy manuals, enrollment projections, and financial ledgers.

She wants to be a positive, visible presence and is eager to see first-hand how teachers promote student-centered learning at all grade levels. She has already met with half the staff, often in their classroom or work space.

“I think seeing what everyone does in their respective spaces,” says Meissner, “will be a wonderful way to learn more about the district.”

Her goal is for all La Conner students to be college or career-ready upon graduation.

“It feels right,” Meissner says of La Conner thus far. “So far, things have gone really well. I like the goals of the district and the sense of shared leadership among the staff. I truly can’t stop smiling. I’ve enjoyed every conversation I’ve had with staff, students, parents, and community members.”

Meissner said she welcomes visitors and values input.

“It will be an open-door policy,” she says.

Meissner feels perhaps her greatest asset this year will be the ability to provide “fresh eyes” when assessing day-to-day school operations.

“I hope to be able to take advantage of those ‘fresh eyes’ to help build on past successes,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s a case of honoring the path we’re on and merging it with my vision, making it truly a collaborative effort.”

Meissner is excited that the district is managing the after-school program. It is designed to extend learning and introduce local youth to potential new and meaningful pursuits such as gardening and cooking.

It’s all part of administering a district Meissner says is committed to excellence across the board.

“I’m here for kids,” Meissner stressed in a recent district-wide letter. “I want to ensure that La Conner Schools continue to be a nurturing, caring, high quality educational system for all kids. I want people who work here to love coming to work and feel like they are thriving personally and professionally.”

She is looking for opportunities to improve equity. “There are things to do to help build a higher level of achievement for all kids,” said Meissner. “I’m a strong believer in democratic schools.” That means students having a voice and choice. “I want to ask kids their opinions,” she said.

Today, the first day of classes for the 2017-18 school year, is when those values, hopes and dreams are put into practice.