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Archive for the ‘Administration’ Category

Stacy Larsen

The Coupeville School District is adding two new admins in the coming months.

Stacy Larsen will take over the role of Director of Business and Finance beginning in March, while Dr. Heather Ireland, Ed.D., is slated to begin as Director of Special Services in July.

The hirings were announced Monday in a community newsletter sent out by Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood and will be official once approved by the school board.

Larsen was most recently Vice President of Finance for Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham, where she “led organizational budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning while ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal financial regulations.”

Before that, she managed financial, administrative, and business operations at Living Word Church in Oak Harbor and was CFO and President of EXA Data & Mapping, Inc.

Larsen, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Western Washington University, was described by Leatherwood as being “highly adaptable, organized, and detail oriented.”

Dr. Heather Ireland

Ireland brings “29 years of experience in rural public education, with extensive expertise in special education, multilingual learner programs, and instructional integration.”

She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Washington State University, as well as having earned Superintendent and Principal certifications.

“Dr. Ireland specializes in Section 504 coordination, district assessment, IDEA compliance, and paraeducator support,” Leatherwood said.

“Her proven track record in maintaining strong alignment to district vision and ensuring both state and federal compliance makes her an excellent fit for our district.”

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Shannon Leatherwood

The Coupeville School Board voted Thursday to extend Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood’s contract an additional year.

The new contract covers July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

Voting was 4-0, with board member Chic Merwine absent after leaving mid-meeting to deal with a family matter.

The board previously voted in June 2025 to extend Leatherwood through 2028 and gave her a raise at that time from $194,704 to $200,604.

Leatherwood, who replaced Steve King in 2024, was previously the Principal at Spanaway Middle School, where she was named the 2023 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year.

She has a Master of Education degree from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Education from Saint Martin’s University and later continued her education through Central Washington University and Washington State University.

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Brian Gianello

The Coupeville School District has lost one of its linchpins.

Brian Gianello, who worked tirelessly as Director of Finance and Human Resources, has resigned after two-and-a-half-years in the positions.

The affable money man, who was hired in July of 2023, has been at the forefront of the district’s budget work.

In a “Wolfpack Family/Community News” newsletter sent out Tuesday, Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood said:

Coupeville School District is conducting a search for a Director of Business and Finance following the recent resignation of Brian Gianello.

This position oversees financial operations, budget management, and business services that support our students and schools.

We have strong interim leadership in place to ensure continuity during this transition, and all district operations continue smoothly.

If you know a qualified professional who might be interested in serving our community in this important role, please share this opportunity with them.

Gianello held the same positions in the La Conner School District from 2021-2023 before being hired by previous Coupeville Superintendent Steve King.

An email sent to his work address Monday bounced back with the reply “I am currently out of the office, and all emails will be forwarded.”

The School Board is scheduled to hold its monthly business meeting next Thursday, Dec. 18, and Gianello’s resignation is expected to be included on the agenda.

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Steve King

Steve King continues to expand his horizons.

Since moving to Hawaii last year, the former Coupeville Schools Superintendent has added to his duties several times.

Hired by Kūlanihākoʻi High School as a PE and health teacher, the longtime duffer later returned to his coaching roots to run the girls and boys golf teams as well.

Now, he’s transitioning back into administration — at least for a bit — having accepted a role as the school’s temporary Vice Principal.

“Wasn’t my plan, but I’m thankful; life is full of surprises,” King posted on LinkedIn earlier this summer.

Before moving to Maui, he had a 27-year run in Washington state schools, including serving as Coupeville Superintendent from 2018-2024.

During his time on Whidbey, King was a big advocate for student health and was instrumental in Coupeville launching its successful Connected Food Program.

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Shannon Leatherwood

The Coupeville School Board voted 5-0 Thursday to re-up Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood, while also giving her a pay raise for year #2.

She will be paid $200,604 for the 2025-2026 school year, after making $194,704 during her debut run with the district.

Leatherwood’s revised contract runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

To read the fine print on the deal, pop over to:

Click to access Leatherwood%20Contract%206.26.2025.pdf

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