BREAKING: School board selects Arlington's Nelson as new superintendent

Will Nelson is a new face in town. But it will not be long before his will be a familiar face.

Nelson, chosen Wednesday as the new superintendent of La Conner Schools, plans to be a visible administrator, interacting regularly with students, staff and the community at large.

"I'm really passionate about the position," Nelson, director of equity and student success at Arlington Public Schools and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, told board members during a rigorous interview process last week.

Nelson vows to take a collaborative approach to school administration.

"You build unity through community," he stressed.

Nelson and David Forsythe, an assistant superintendent with Northwest Education Services District #189, were the finalists among 21 applicants seeking the La Conner position, filled on an interim basis since last July by retired veteran superintendent Rich Stewart.

"We are looking forward to having Will Nelson join us as our next La Conner Superintendent," board president Susie Gardner Deyo said Wednesday after the panel unanimously tabbed Nelson for the district's top administrative post. We believe Mr. Nelson is an innovative leader with the enthusiasm to move our district forward."

Nelson will assume the reins July 1, pending contract negotiations with the district.

His absence will be felt, Nelson's colleagues in Arlington say.

"La Conner School District is very lucky to have Will as their new superintendent," said Arlington Public Schools Human Resource Specialist Kathleen Kowalczik. "He will be missed in Arlington."

Nelson plans to hit the ground running in La Conner.

"In my experience," he said, ""being involved in the community creates surprising and unexpected opportunities for our students. I am excited about engaging in positive and powerful partnerships within the La Conner School District and communities, within Skagit County, with nonprofit and for profit organizations and with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community."