Cram set to lead schools for one year

The La Conner School District should enjoy a smooth leadership transition as the school board on Monday appointed finance chief David Cram to succeed Will Nelson as superintendent for one year, starting July 1.

Nelson, who is completing his third year leading La Conner schools, announced in April that he will leave the district June 30 for a teaching post at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

Rather than conducting a potentially costly external search for Nelson's successor, the board promoted Cram, a La Conner High School alum now in his second tour as the district's finance director.

Cram has also served as deputy superintendent since returning to the district last year to help it navigate a dire fiscal cycle resulting from significant post-COVID declines in student enrollment.

Enrollment is the main driver of state funding for public schools in Washington.

"We're honored that you're willing to step up and lead our school district," board president Susie Deyo said.

The board's approval was unanimous.

Cram will rely upon administrative support provided by Beth Clothier, the district's director of teaching and learning, and herself a La Conner graduate.

"Between the two of you," Deyo said of Cram and Clothier, "we have a great opportunity here and this (leadership arrangement) can save the district money. We know you and Beth are a great team."

It was Cram and Clothier who outlined district policies, procedures and programs during the recent La Conner Rotary Club Farmers and Merchants Dinner at Maple Hall.

Cram told the Weekly News it's too early for him to propose specific goals for the 2024-25 school year.

"I'll have to wait until after the board has its retreat next month," he said. "That's when I'll know where the board is at (in terms of district objectives)."

Cram thanked the board Monday for its expression of support.

Members have praised Cram for his ability to quickly shift the district's finances out of the red and into the black. To get there, the district had to implement painful personnel and program cutbacks ahead of the 2023-24 academic year as K-12 enrollment continues to decline. La Conner had around 700 students in the early 2000s but projects only 460 this fall.

Cram acknowledged before classes convened in late August that the district would have to operate with a "bare-bones budget" this year.

Deyo and board member John Agen said La Conner is fortunate to have someone of Cram's experience and knowledge of the community available to follow Nelson.

"Dave will be of great benefit to our district as interim superintendent," Agee said.

"You love the school," Deyo told Cram. "You have La Conner in your heart. And you have the skills to lead the school district."

Deyo likewise lauded Nelson, who implemented several educational programs designed to promote student achievement and development of lifelong critical-thinking skills.

"I want to again publicly thank Will for his three years of service," said Deyo. "It's definitely gone fast."

Under Nelson, La Conner has adopted new K-12 math curricula and begun the transition to mastery-based learning while creating increased planning opportunities for staff. Nelson has also advocated for instruction that addresses varied student learning styles.

Early in his career, Cram served as La Conner School District's finance director. He later held similar posts with the Lakewood, Anacortes and Marysville school districts.

In 2023, Cram came back to La Conner, where in addition to finance duties he was assigned oversight of district operations and human resources in his role as assistant superintendent.

Deyo said Cram will be formally sworn in at the board's May 20 meeting. Nelson's final day at La Conner will be June 30, allowing for a gradual six-week administrative transition period.