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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For the second time in as many years, the Coupeville School District has placed a high-ranking administrator on paid leave pending an investigation or review.
Coupeville Sports 