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Posts Tagged ‘administrators’

CHS Principal changing jobs

Posted in Administration, tagged , , , , on February 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Dan Berard

Coupeville High School will have its third principal in as many years when the 2026-2027 school year begins.

Dan Berard, who is in his first year in the district after a 27-year education career in Mount Vernon, is stepping down as CHS Principal and Career and Technical Education Director.

But he’s not leaving the prairie.

In a letter sent to students and families, Berard said “due to changing family health needs, I will be stepping away from my role as principal at the end of this school year to accept a different position within the Coupeville School District beginning next year.”

“This has been a thoughtful and personal decision,” he added.

“Serving as principal of Coupeville High School has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”

Berard’s new position has not been publicly revealed yet, with his letter saying, “in the coming weeks, the district will share more information about leadership transition plans.”

In that letter, Berard spoke glowingly of his time as Principal/CTE Director.

“I am deeply proud of our students, grateful for our dedicated staff, and appreciative of the partnership we share with families and this community,” he said.

“While my role will change, my commitment to our students and to Coupeville remains strong.

“I am thankful to continue serving within the district in a capacity that allows me to support my family while remaining part of this incredible school community.”

With four months remaining in this school year, Berard intends to keep things moving along smoothly.

“Please know that I am fully committed to finishing this school year strong,” he said.

“Our focus remains on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally as we move toward graduation, spring activities, and all the important milestones ahead.”

Berard replaced Geoff Kappes after he resigned as Coupeville’s high school and middle school principal, while also picking up the CTE duties.

Becky Cays was hired as CMS Principal and CHS/CMS Athletic Director and remains in those positions.

Before coming to Whidbey, Berard was most recently the Executive Director of Operations for the Mount Vernon School District.

He previously worked as a teacher, middle school principal, assistant principal, dean of students, and athletic director, starting in Mount Vernon schools in 1998.

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“We will be implementing a new leadership structure”

Posted in Administration, tagged , , , , on April 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Shannon Leatherwood is reshaping the administration in the Coupeville School District.

Or at least that’s the plan as detailed in a letter sent out Tuesday by the first-year superintendent.

In the wake of Middle School/High School Principal Geoff Kappes resigning, Leatherwood announced plans to replace both him and former Assistant Principal Allyson Cundiff with employees who will fill multiple positions.

Her letter:

Dear Coupeville School District Families, Students, and Community Members,

I am writing to share important information regarding leadership changes at our middle and high schools.

Yesterday, Geoff Kappes resigned from his position as middle/high school principal.

We sincerely appreciate his many years of dedicated service and the positive impact he has made on students and our school community during his tenure.

We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

As we move forward, we are taking this opportunity to carefully evaluate how our administrative structure can best support student success.

Our focus remains on creating the most positive, engaging, and effective learning environment possible for all Coupeville students.

We are excited to announce that we will be implementing a new leadership structure that will provide more focused attention to both our middle and high schools while strengthening key programs:

Middle School Principal/Athletic Director: We will be hiring a dedicated Middle School Principal who will also serve as the Athletic Director for our 6-12 athletic programs.

This position will ensure strong leadership for our middle school students during these critical developmental years while building a cohesive athletic program across all grade levels.

High School Principal/CTE Director: We will be hiring a High School Principal who will also serve as the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Director for grades 6-12.

This position will provide focused leadership for our high school while strengthening career pathways and real-world learning opportunities for all students.

This restructured approach will allow us to provide enhanced leadership in key areas while remaining fiscally responsible.

In fact, these changes have been designed to generate cost savings for the district while improving services to students.

Community input is essential as we select our new school leaders.

This week, we will be distributing surveys to families, students, and community members to gather your perspectives on the qualities and characteristics you believe are most important in our next school leaders.

We will also be forming interview teams that include parent and community representatives to participate in the selection process.

Information about how to express interest in serving on these teams will be coming soon.

Throughout this transition, our commitment to providing an excellent education for every student remains unchanged.

Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to focus on creating engaging learning experiences and supporting student growth.

We are confident that this transition will continue to strengthen our schools and enhance the educational experience for all students.

We appreciate your continued support of Coupeville schools and look forward to partnering with you as we move forward together.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Shannon Leatherwood
Superintendent
Coupeville School District

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Cundiff returns, Kappes in limbo

Posted in Administration, tagged , , , , on March 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

One of two Coupeville High School/Middle School administrators placed on a “non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation” in December is returning to work, but the other one remains missing in action.

Allyson Cundiff, who was the CHS/CMS Assistant Principal, will be back with the district Thursday, but in “a new capacity.”

A letter sent to parents Wednesday by Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood says Cundiff will “be helping with various administrative tasks that support our school buildings and student needs.”

The letter to parents does not address the status of CHS/CMS Principal Geoff Kappes, who has been on the same leave since Dec. 16.

Leatherwood states that interim principal Springy Yamasaki “continues to serve as principal.”

“While I don’t have any additional information to share at this time, I want to reassure you that our primary focus remains on providing a quality education and supporting the success of each student in our care,” the letter concludes.

District officials have not commented publicly on any aspect of the situation, though the Whidbey News-Times did publish this story:

‘Minority Rape Cult’ has consequences for administrators, students at Coupeville schools

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Elementary school retains principal

Posted in academics, tagged , , , , on March 9, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Erica McColl

She passed the audition.

Erica McColl, who has been the interim principal at Coupeville Elementary School since November, has been tabbed as the permanent replacement for David Ebersole.

Her hire will be official once approved by the school board.

“This appointment represents an exciting step forward for our district, and I want to express my gratitude for your feedback and support throughout the selection process,” said Coupeville Schools Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood.

“Ms. McColl brings outstanding qualifications and a student-centered approach that aligns perfectly with our district’s mission and values.

“We look forward to seeing her continue to impact our community.”

In addition to her school administration duties, McColl has also been coaching club volleyball. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

McColl originally joined the Coupeville School District this past July, making the jump from Anacortes to become an assistant principal at the high school and middle school.

She moved down the street to the elementary on an interim basis when Ebersole suddenly retired at the end of October.

McColl, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling, began her career in California.

After that she was an assistant principal in the Marysville School District and the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Manager with the Edmonds School District before moving to Anacortes in 2022.

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Coupeville schools shuffle admins

Posted in Administration, tagged , , , , on October 2, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Erica McColl

It’s a game of musical chairs.

Erica McColl, who was hired as the assistant principal at Coupeville Middle and High School this fall, is moving down the street to become the interim principal at the elementary school.

She replaces David Ebersole, who is retiring as of Oct. 31.

McColl’s current position will be filled on an interim basis by Special Services Director Allyson Cundiff.

And who replaces Cundiff in her current job, at least on an interim basis?

That will be announced soon, said Coupeville Schools Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood, who expressed her gratitude to all involved.

It starts with Ebersole, who has been a very popular leader at CES.

“After many years of dedicated service, Mr. Ebersole has made the decision to retire,” Leatherwood said.

“We are grateful for his contributions to our school district and wish him all the best in his retirement.

“Please join us in expressing our appreciation for his years of service.”

His interim replacement, McColl, came to Coupeville from Anacortes, and has prior experience at the elementary level as both a counselor and paraeducator.

“Erica brings a strong commitment to student belonging and happiness and will be a valuable asset to our leadership team,” Leatherwood said.

Cundiff offers “a wealth of experience both within our district as our Special Services Director and as a principal in a neighboring district.

“She will continue to provide exceptional leadership and support to our students and staff,” Leatherwood added.

“We congratulate Erica and Allyson on their new roles and are confident in their ability to lead our schools.”

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