Data directs search for VISD leader

Published 11:30 am Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Vashon Island School District shared new details about its ongoing search for a permanent superintendent during its Nov. 13 board meeting, outlining high community engagement, key challenges and a timeline that will stretch into mid-2026.

The district’s search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), reported that the first phase of the process — the engagement phase — is now concluded, with what consultants described as unusually strong participation.

“There was an incredible amount of participation throughout the engagement phase,” Dr. Kristine McDuffy, a senior associate at HYA, said during the meeting.

HYA recorded 127 survey responses — a “solid showing,” they said — and 213 interviews with students, family members, community members, staff and administrators. About 60.6% of survey responses came from family members of current students. Consultants said Vashon exceeded the level of participation HYA typically sees in this stage.

John Dash, another HYA representative who attended the meeting virtually, outlined several challenges that emerged in the feedback, beginning with district’s communication and transparency. Dash said community concerns often reflect past issues, rather than the current leadership team, but added that improvements are still necessary.

He said HYA is working with the district toward more frequent and open communication. “This work will go a long way to rebuilding the trust that’s already been mentioned tonight, with staff, families and community members as a priority,” he said.

Dash also noted that governance and trust remain central themes.

“We did learn from several folks that there were leadership challenges between the board and the former superintendent, which contributed to some mistrust in the organization,” he said.

Community members also expressed a desire for clearer distinctions between the roles of the board and district administration — something that continues to be a priority with Interim Superintendent Dr. Josephine (Jo) Moccia.

Financial stability and declining enrollment surfaced as major concerns for families and staff. Dash said these issues will be “a major source of work for the next superintendent,” including balancing beloved programs while reducing costs.

Safety and student behavior also emerged as a prominent theme. While many said the district is strong on safety overall, students highlighted bullying, substance abuse and uneven discipline across schools as concerns.

One theme, Dash said, reflected both a challenge and an opportunity: community anxiety surrounding the leadership transition, which also “represents a chance to rebuild stability, restore public confidence, align governance operations and instruction around shared community values and what we believe is a shared vision of where you’d like to go next.”

The consultants presented additional data comparing Vashon to statewide student performance and demographics for 2023-2024. “There’s a lot to celebrate there,” Dash said.

The district scored well above the state in English language arts, math and science and the performance of low-income students exceeded the state in all three subjects.

The district’s high school graduation rate increased by about 30% between 2023 and 2024, and Vashon is in the 99th percentile for students earning a bachelor’s degree eight years after high school. “To reach the 99th percentile … is an outcome to be proud of,” Dash said.

Over the past two years, the district’s homeless student population increased by 10%, students in the disability category increased by 6% and enrollment dropped by 56 students. Attendance saw a slight improvement.

Key dates, the full leadership profile, including student achievement data, district demographics and identified strengths and challenges, is available at tinyurl.com/y866567z.

Key dates

Jan. 9, 2026: Applications close for position. Jan. 14, 2026: School board meeting, executive session interviewing workshop. Jan. 23, 2026: School board meeting, executive session semi-finalist interviews. Early February 2026: Finalists visit the district. February 2026: Contract negotiations. Late February 2026: School board action on superintendent contract. Spring 2026: Transition activities, including school visits and meetings with staff, students, families and community members. July 1, 2026: New superintendent contract begins.