School bosses step up for STEM

Skagit County’s seven public school superintendents were on stage at the Lincoln Theatre Thursday, September 21, sharing their districts’ progress in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education in their classrooms. Each emphasized critical thinking and collaboration equally with fact-based knowledge.

Technology and team work are the keys to the jobs of the future and society’s prosperity or peril. That is why the evening was sponsored by EDASC, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County.

The superintendents were introduced by John Sternlicht, EDASC’s CEO. Sternlicht emphasized that present and projected jobs in the county lack qualified candidates. And, when employers look to locate, he said, they consider schools, communities, and the quality of life.

The superintendents shared success stories of STEM in their systems. All sang from the same page, highlighting collaborative learning processes of team projects with engaged students passionate about life as well as learning.

Whitney Meissner, the new superintendent for La Conner, again invited parents to visit, talk to teachers and kids and “have the students explain what they’re interested in and what they’re good at.” She again stressed equity, of supporting all students’ advancement.

The County’s superintendents, in addition to Meissner, are Wayne Barrett, Concrete, Phil Brockman, Sedro-Woolley, ‎Laurel Browning, Burlington-Edison, Carl Bruner, Mount Vernon, ‎Chris Pearson, Conway and Mark Wenzel, Anacortes.

Each superintendent championed innovations in their district. Barrett drew cheers when he highlighted his district’s farm-to-school efforts. Brockman was singled out and praised for his initiative in instituting STEM in his district and reaching out to develop the Skagit STEM Network.

Over 300 attended, more than half-filling the Lincoln’s auditorium. All stayed for “Most Likely to Succeed,” the award-winning film documentary.

The public is invited to a follow up discussion today, September 27, at the Northwest Career & Technical Academy, 2205 West Campus Place, Mount Vernon. Two sessions are offered: 1-3 or 6-8 p.m.