CHS/CMS Principal Geoff Kappes has stepped down. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Coupeville High School/Middle School Principal Geoff Kappes, who has been out since late last year, has resigned his position.
“After careful consideration I have decided to resign as principal of CMHS,” he said in a statement.
“Thank you for allowing me to serve as your principal.
“It has been such a privilege to witness our children grow and flourish,” he added. “Every day, I have been inspired by their determination and kindness.
“Watching them develop into thoughtful, capable young adults has been the most rewarding aspect of my role.”
Kappes, who has been a teacher, coach, and administrator during two tours of duty in Coupeville schools, was part of a team which helped the district make it successfully through the pandemic.
He and wife Christie, a teacher at the high school, have two sons who attend Coupeville schools, and the family has been at the forefront of community activity.
While his next job will be someplace else, Geoff Kappes said he has been greatly impacted by his time in Wolf Nation.
“The academic achievements, artistic performances, athletic successes, and acts of service I’ve witnessed have reinforced my belief in the extraordinary potential of Coupeville kids,” he said.
“I will carry the memories of my time here with me always and I wish you the best of luck.”
Geoff Kappes and CHS/CMS Assistant Principal Allyson Cundiff were placed on “non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation” Dec. 16, though district officials declined to say why.
A records request by the Whidbey News-Times surfaced documents related to the handling of two incidents.
One involved a “club” which made social media posts threatening sexual assault of ethnic minority individuals, and one involved the sharing of a video allegedly depicting an off-campus assault.
Records show three students were expelled while others received suspensions in relation to the two unrelated incidents.
Cundiff was brought back in “a new capacity” Mar. 19, with Coupeville Schools Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood saying Cundiff would “be helping with various administrative tasks that support our school buildings and student needs.”
In a statement Tuesday, Leatherwood indicated the district intends to “implement a new leadership structure” while thanking Kappes for his work.
“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,” she wrote.
“We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
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