The Enumclaw School District didn’t have to look far when choosing new principals for a pair of elementary schools.
Lea Tiger-Tice will be taking the reins at Sunrise Elementary, adding to a resumé that already includes 16 years with the district. Moving into the principal’s office at Byron Kibler Elementary will be Travis Goodlett who has been working just down state Route 164 at Chinook Elementary in the Auburn School District.
The changes come with the move of two current principals who are departing their roles for different reasons. At Sunrise Elementary, Kyle Fletcher is leaving but not traveling far: he will be taking over as the district’s director of finance and operations. He replaces Ed Hatzenbeler who was tabbed as the new superintendent of the Orting School District. At Kibler Elementary, Mimi Brown resigned her principal post to accept a job with the Everett School District.
The changes at the elementary level mean the district will have three new principals in place when school opens in the fall. It was announced earlier that Enumclaw High Principal Phil Engebretsen would be moving into a newly-created position at the district administration building. He is being replaced by Dr. Rod Merrell, currently the director of secondary education for the Marysville School District.
Goodlett first taught middle school English in Japan and, upon returning to the United States, began a long career in the Auburn School District. He taught elementary P.E. for several years at Gildo Rey Elementary before taking an intervention specialist position at both Gildo Rey and Ilalko elementary schools. For the past two years he has served as the assistant principal at Chinook Elementary.
In addition to those assignments, during his time in the Auburn district Goodlett has been a student success team facilitator, co-covid supervisor, emergency preparedness lead, facilitator for Chinook’s culturally responsive teaching team and was the instructional director for Camp Auburn.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education from Western Washington University, a master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, welcome and able to learn in the most positive and supportive environment possible that meets them where they are at,” Goodlett said in a prepared statement shared on the Enumclaw School District website.
Tiger-Tice began her career 16 years ago teaching first grade at Westwood Elementary School. Since that time she has worked as a classroom teacher, a Title/Lap teacher (providing additional help for students in need) and elementary dean of students. In addition, she has been involved with the math assessment development committee, full-day kindergarten committee and literacy support team. She is a schools foundation board member, high school track and field coach, and a student-teacher mentor. She also has collaborated with the director of teaching and learning, providing professional development and facilitating meetings for the district Title 1/LAP teachers.
Tiger-Tice earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education with a minor in reading from Central Washington University. She later completed an administrator certificate program from Western Governors University.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher working with children,” she said in her statement shared by the district. “However, over the past few years I have discovered that in addition to having a passion for teaching, I have a passion for partnering with staff, students, and the community to create a school that thrives and feels like a family.”
