Federal Way school board selects 3 finalists for superintendent search
Published 10:03 am Monday, March 23, 2015
The Federal Way Public Schools board of education has selected three finalists for the superintendent position.
The finalists are Federal Way’s interim Superintended Sally McLean; Alan Spicciati, chief accountability officer for the Highline School District; and Tammy Campbell, assistant superintendent of learning and teaching for the Renton School District.
The board hired the consulting firm Ray and Associates to lead the search for a new district leader.
“We received 41 applications for the position of Federal Way Public Schools superintendent and were impressed with the quality of the candidates we evaluated,” wrote board president Geoffery McAnalloy in a media release from the district. “We wanted to make sure we had the best candidates before us and that community, students and families and staff were involved. Through the public input process, we identified 10 characteristics that guided our choice of these finalists, all of whom are exceptional candidates. Our next step will be to determine which finalist is the best match for our district and can guide our vision to ensure success for all kids.”
Advisory panels of students and community members will meet the candidates and provide feedback to the board, as they have throughout the selection process. Federal Way Public Schools staff and various stakeholder groups are invited to meet the superintendent finalists. Each finalist will provide a self-introduction, engage in informal dialog and answer questions during the community forums, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12 noon, March 25 and 6:30–8:30 p.m. March 26 at the Educational Service Center, 33330 Eighth Ave. S., Federal Way.
A contract with the superintendent will begin on July 1.
About the candidates
McLean has been with the district for nearly 14 years, overseeing the district’s finances for much of that time, and has 30 years of administrative experience in public schools. McLean received degrees in decision sciences (statistical analysis) and human resource management from the University of Oregon. She also attended the Harvard Institute of Educational Leadership.
Spicciati is a graduate of the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, with a double major in music education and performance. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program, and his doctor of education at Seattle Pacific University. He has served as a teacher, principal and administrator at Highline Public Schools and in New York before coming to Highline.
Campbell oversees all principals, and learning and teaching functions within the Renton School District. Campbell earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Minot State University in Minot, South Dakota, and is a graduate of Eastern Washington University, where she earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Her doctoral degree in educational leadership was conferred at Washington State University. Campbell held positions at the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership, Washington State University, Spokane Public Schools and Central Valley School District.
