There will be a new face in the offices at Coupeville High School/Middle School when students return to classes this Monday, Dec. 6.
Springy Yamasaki, a longtime teacher and administrator, is coming out of retirement to take the position of interim Principal.
CHS/CMS Principal Geoff Kappes and Assistant Principal Allyson Cundiff were placed on “non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation” Dec. 16.
District officials, led by Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood, have not commented publicly on any aspect of the situation.
In an email to staff and parents Thursday, the superintendent had the following to say:
As you know, two of our administrators are currently out on paid leave for an unknown amount of time.
For the interim, we will be welcoming Springy Yamasaki as interim Principal to provide administrative support at both the middle and high schools.
Ms. Yamasaki brings a wealth of experience to our district, with 33 years in education and 17 as an administrator.
She is committed to listening to our families, and staff, learning about our unique needs, and providing the support necessary to ensure a smooth and successful learning environment for our students.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Yamasaki to Coupeville and help her as she will be transitioning beginning January 6, 2025.
I am grateful for her willingness to come out of retirement to support our community during this time.
Springy Yamasaki
The email from Leatherwood included a letter from Yamasaki:
It is an honor to serve as interim Principal of Coupeville Middle and High School.
I have 33 years of experience in education, 16 as a teacher of all grades 1-9 and 17 as a school administrator.
My endorsements as a teacher were in K-8 and grades 4-12 in health, fitness, and science.
I obtained a special education endorsement and coordinated services for learning disabilities, behavioral issues and autism.
I served as an administrator from Pre-K to ninth grade.
I am most passionate about student learning and sound instructional practices while providing a safe school environment, so all students learn to their potential.
I was fortunate to have your Superintendent, Shannon Leatherwood, as an administrative intern (2009) while she earned her Principal Certificate.
During my career, I was blessed to have principals and superintendents recognize my dedication to student leadership and learning.
As a teacher, I won Sallie Mae’s Beginning Teacher Award and Apple’s Thanks to Teachers in Hawaii.
In 2006, I was Washington State’s Assistant Principal of the Year and the recipient of NASSP’s National Assistant Principal.
I was appointed to a National Task Force for three years where 12 of us met with U.S. Senators and Congressional’s in Washington DC twice a year to secure national funding to support the teaching of reading in grades 6-8.
As a Principal, I was acknowledged twice for regional Washington Principal of the Year.
Additionally, I have presented best instructional and behavioral practices at state and national conferences.
This is my first visit to Coupeville and Whidbey Island.
However, I am an island girl and have spent more than half of my life living on islands.
I was born on the island of Honshu in a city called Sagamihara, Japan.
Nearly two years later, my family moved to Lanikai on the Island of Oahu where my mother is from.
My father was an officer in the Navy, and I lived on Midway Island for all of third and half of fourth grade.
After attending the University of Oregon, I returned home to Oahu and lived there 19 years.
My late husband was a reservist in the Army, and I lived on Inlet Island on Lake Tapps for 10 years.
I am aware that not islands are the same.
However, there is something special about the community of an island and the lifestyle it offers.
In my experience, people look after each other and there is feeling that everyone belongs to the extended family.
I am excited to work with students and staff.
I am committed to supporting the teachers to provide the best instruction for your adolescents, supporting all staff in fulfilling their responsibilities and keeping the school environment safe.
I look forward to meeting you.
Springy Yamasaki
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