The Sumner School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Gaines, current Principal at Sumner High School, to Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services effective July 1, 2016.

Gaines will replace Deb Barlow who will retire at the end of the 2015-16 School Year. Gaines will join current Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Marc Brouillet.

Acting Superintendent, Laurie Dent, issued the following statement regarding Gaines’ appointment: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Gaines as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. The addition of Bill Gaines to Central Office leadership is certain to advance our mission and allow us to continue meeting the needs of students in the ways that our community has come to expect. Bill is a proven leader who will combine a professional commitment to student success with his passion for excellence. For over 21 years, Bill has led teaching and learning initiatives at the school level and has improved educational outcomes for students. We are thrilled to have his instructional leadership at Central Office supporting excellent instruction, every day in every classroom.”

Gaines has worked in education for 36 years, most recently as Principal at Sumner High School for 21 years. Prior to coming to Sumner High School in 1994 he taught at Renton High School from 1979-1994. Gaines earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University and a Master in Education and Administration from Western Washington University.

Gaines will remain Principal at Sumner High School through the end of the school year. The process to replace Gaines will include focus groups, interviews, and an online survey that will seek input from parents, staff, students, and community to define key characteristics of a strong educational leader for Sumner High School. Human Resources will begin recruiting for his replacement immediately following this process.

Gaines commented in a communication to families, “I care deeply about this school community. This is an amazing school with wonderful individuals and talented educators. I value what we’ve accomplished together throughout my time here as Principal. The impact and legacy that SHS has made on this community will continue. Sparta has been built by the outstanding staff, students and community I have had the pleasure of supporting – and I am honored to have been a part of that legacy. I am ecstatic to oversee the great things this school will continue to accomplish from across the street.”

The School Board approved the appointment at the April 20 regular School Board meeting, in addition to appointments at Victor Falls Elementary, Daffodil Valley Elementary, Crestwood Elementary, and District Office.