Lisa Ferguson-Hipolito
Lisa Ferguson-Hipolito has been tabbed as the next principal for Coupeville Elementary School.
She is jumping to Whidbey from Battle Ground, and replaces Erica McColl, who resigned to accept a position in Skagit County.
Ferguson-Hipolito was most recently the Assistant Principal at Yacolt Primary School, which serves students in pre-K through fourth grade, and was selected by a 17-member interview team which included staff, school board members, and administrators.
Her hire will be official once approved by the school board at its next meeting.
“Choosing the right leader for our students is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and I want you to know how seriously we took it,” Coupeville Schools Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood said.
“We were thrilled with our candidates. Lisa stood out as the right person to lead our school and care for our students.”
Ferguson-Hipolito is originally from Hawaii, graduating from Maui High School in 1982. Her college education came at Chaminade University and Washington State University.
As an elementary educator, she began as a classroom teacher across grades one through four, before working as a reading and intervention specialist, then a school administrator.
“That experience gives her a clear understanding of what young learners need to grow and thrive,” Leatherwood said.
“What impressed us most about Lisa is her genuine care for children and her belief that strong schools are built on strong partnerships with families.
“She has a long record of welcoming parents into the learning process, supporting early learners, and making sure every child has what they need to succeed.
“She leads with warmth, listens well, and keeps students at the heart of her work.”
Coupeville Sports 