The Edmonds School District is welcoming a total of 11 new principals this school season, including interims, assistant principals and a new executive director at its Educational Services Center (ESC).
Here’s a short introduction of the new Edmonds School District principals—who they all are, where they have worked, and what the opportunities they bring with their new roles.
Kim Whitworth, Interim Principal at Meadowdale High School
Kim Whitworth is joining Meadowdale High School as Principal, coming from a position as Chief Academic Officer for the Monroe School District.
Her goal as Principal is to ensure all students have the tools to be happy, engaged, and productive adults, which she said is a moral imperative for her. In her first year she plans to prioritize building relationships and working to build a welcoming environment for students, staff, and families.
“I am passionate about public education,” Whitworth told the Lynnwood Times. “I look forward to working with Meadowdale HS students, staff, and parents. Being a part of this community is an honor.”
The most impactful experiences of her career has been witnessing people come together to do great things for students, she continued.
“I want the community to know that I am here to serve and want to hear their hopes for the year,” said Whitworth.
Faye Britt, Principal of Hazelwood Elementary
Before Faye Britt joined Hazelwood Elementary as Principal she served as an Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, was a former Middle School Principal, a former High School and Middle School Assistant Principal, and served as Interim Principal at Hazelwood from January until June 2024.
She informed the Lynnwood Times the decision to enter the field of education was to work in greater partnership with staff, students and families and support their journeys in education so that they can recognize that there are so many opportunities available to them.
As Principal of Hazelwood Britt plans to prioritize getting to know the school’s families and students and finding ways to connect them to events that are of interest. Her goal is the ensure that all students have access to the school’s grade level curriculum and creatively use multiple ways to connect students to learning.
One of the highlights of her career was being a part of the founding staff and the opening of an international school in Berlin, Germany, when she was a very new teacher.
“Not knowing what you don’t know and learning along the way was such a great experience as we got to dream and build a school from scratch,” said Britt. “Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, share ideas, and reach out to your students teacher or myself. Input, curiosity, and suggestions help us grow.”
Pedro Arellano Camarena, Principal of Cedar Valley Elementary
Pedro Arellano Camarena served as the Assistant Principal of Highline High School from 2021 until 2023 before becoming Principal of Cedar Valley Elementary.
As a student who struggled academically and behaviorally in school himself, getting into “a fair amount of trouble,” he was driven to become a High School Math Teacher (the subject he struggled the most in) to prove to himself that he could succeed.
He immediately enrolled himself into community college two weeks after High School graduation, where his work at Green River and the Latinx Student Union club led him to work with high school youth
“I was inspired by the work my building was doing and that eventually led to be becoming an administrator, with the goal of making an impact on systems that affect all students,” said Camarena. “Working at the high school most of my career, I feel like I have a good understanding of what we need to do to ensure our students are prepared and ready for the 21st century. That is why I made the decision to move to the Elementary level, where I am at now.”
Camarena’s top priority is building a culture of belonging that makes students proud to be snow leopards and retaining staff members. He is also working on a team to start thinking about how to create systemic interventions and rich learning experiences for our students. Lastly, it is a goal of his to bring attendance rates up by 10%.
Jimmy Nguyen, Principal of Lynndale Elementary
Jimmy Nguyen taught for eight years as an Elementary Teacher, nine as Assistant Principal at Spruce and Terrace Park Elementary, was an interim principal for one year, and is now Lynndale Elementary’s newest Principal.
The thing he loved most about being in education, he shared, is the opportunity to made significant impact for children.
In his first few weeks as Principal he plans to continue to move the building forward and focus on student learning, as well as learn each student’s name and something about them.
“Growing up in a diverse family, I feel like I have gained a lens that I use to view the world in which I work in. This lens guides me in supporting those around me,” said Nguyen. “This is where I want to be, and I’m having so much fun doing it. This is literally my dream job, and am excited to give the Lynndale community everything I got.”
Henry Shaw, Assistant Principal at College Place Middle School
Henry Shaw has served as Assistant Principal / Athletic Director at College Place Middle School; and was the Dean of Students and former High School English teacher.
As Principal Shaw shared that he wants to be an advocate for kids and teachers. His favorite part about the job is meeting new students.
Shaw’s focus in the coming weeks will be honing in on helping staff build more positive relations with their students.
“I am a 29-year teacher who believes in a service-based leadership model. I am excited to serve our kids and their parents/guardians. Maya Angelou once said, ‘people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel’. She was right. We must first teach to the heart and only thereafter to the head. Please know that I am really looking forward to working in partnership with the CPM parent/ guardian community,” said Shaw.
Brandon Pope, Assistant Principal at Meadowdale Middle School
Brandon Pope was inspired seeing an administrator of color growing up, and he continued to get involved and grow as a teacher-leader, which peaked initially peaked his interest and pursuit of becoming a school administrator.
His goals are to build authentic relationships and partnerships with students, staff, and families as well as learn about the ins-and-outs of Meadowdale Middle School, informing the Lynnwood Times that he wants to be “visible and clear” with his communication.
“I am looking forward to supporting, serving, and being a part of the MMS Viking community,” said Pope. “Please reach out! I am looking forward to meeting you.”
Ron Stiell-Williams, Assistant Principal Brier Terrace Middle School
Ron Stiell-Williams was a Special Education English Teacher, Special Education Department Chair, Administrative Intern, and Administrative Substitute at College Place Middle School before becoming Assistant Principal for Brier Terrace Middle School.
He was driven to the work that he does due to a deep desire to support students and families to feel loved and cared about holistically during their Educational Journey, he said.
“I want all students to feel and know that, while simultaneously making sure marginalized populations know this, and heal the historical familial perceptions they may have of educational settings,” said Stiell-Williams.
Stiell-Williams is looking forward to bringing his love for people and his relationships/connections to the center of his work in order to support every young person in reaching and obtaining educational excellence and holistically growth. It just so happens to be a bonus that he gets to serve in the community he grew up in.
“I am a forever learner who goes into anything I do with love and curiosity, with an aim to learn from anyone I get the privilege to interact with, while understanding how to best serve them,” said Stiell-Williams. “I also want the community to know to please reach out whenever you have a question, or something you would like to discuss. I want to hear from you, and I’ll do what I can to support you, your student/s, and family.”
Heather Paddock, Principal at Edmonds Elementary
Heather Paddock has served as Director of Teaching and Learning, and was a former Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher before joining Edmonds Elementary as Principal.
She was drawn to school leadership because it gives her the opportunity to impact the lives of students, families, and the broader school community, she shared.
“I want to create schools where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered,” said Paddock.
Paddock is most looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and community of Edmonds Elementary and working together as the school makes progress and growth. She is excited to foster a positive and inclusive school culture where every student feels a sense of belonging.
As Principal Paddock’s goals for the year are centered around enhancing student achievement, strengthening school community, and supporting the professional growth of staff. One of her primary goals is to continue implementing and refining Edmonds Elementary’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system to create a more positive and inclusive school environment where all students can thrive.
“I want families and the community to know that I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student in our school. My door is always open, and I believe in the power of strong partnerships between the school, families, and the community,” said Paddock. “I strive to be a principal who listens, values diverse perspectives, and works collaboratively to create a positive and inclusive environment for all.”
Tulani Freeman, Principal at Brier Terrace Middle School
Tulani Freeman previously served as Assistant Principal of Meadowdale Middle School, Dean of Positive Behavior at Tillicum Middle School, in Bellevue, was an AP Social Studies teacher at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, an English Teacher at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, and was Special Education Teacher, David Douglas School District, Portland.
Now, as Brier Terrace Middle School’s newest Principal, she’s most looking forward to meeting students and families, and bringing some positive energy and school spirit to assemblies and gatherings.
“I love helping staff, students and families problem-solve and find success, especially at the middle level,” said Freeman. “When I was a dean, my principal told me he thought I would make a good building leader, and I attended the University of Washington’s school principal program.”
Freeman’s priorities are focusing the school’s core values of Community, Belonging, and Accomplishment.
She reflected on being a Principal intern during the Covid shutdown as one of her most powerful years in education.
“I knew I was making a difference when I was helping families and students secure basic needs like housing, food resources, and internet access to connect with school. I collaborated with a team to counsel many students, and helped them keep social connections open during a very stressful time,” said Freeman.
Rana Nakkour, Principal at Spruce Elementary
Rana Nakkour formerly served as Assistant Principal at Brier Terrace Middle School before transitioning to Principal of Spruce Elementary.
She’s passionate about equity work and improving the student learning experience.
In her first few weeks she plans to get to know students, staff, and families and create opportunities for community building and partnering with families.
Nakkour’s goals as Principal are centered around improving students’ learning using research-based PD, classroom observations, and instructional practices to improve academic outcomes and student engagement.
Her favorite part about working as an educutor is partnering with families to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
“Edmonds is home to me; I have worked in different roles there for the past 17 years. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve my community,” said Nakkour.
Jon Bell, Executive Director of Student Services at Edmonds School District Educational Services Center (ESC)
In addition to the ESD’s 10 incoming Principal’s the School District welcomes Jon Bell as its new Executive Director of Student Services at the ESD Educational Services Center.
Bell has previously worked as Director of Special Education, and is a former High School Principal, and High School Chemistry/Physics Teacher.
His favorite part of the job is the relationships he wormed with adults that help improve practices for students overall.
“I am excited for the opportunity to develop new relationships with students, staff, and teachers as I get to know the needs of the Edmonds School District,” said Bell.
Bell’s immediate goal is to develop a trusting community of special educators who are rowing together toward successful outcomes for students.
One of his most impactful experiences of his career was when he was introduced to a non-verbal student in a wheelchair in such a friendly and compassionate way that it completely reframed his understanding of students with disabilities.
“I believe that all children can learn. They will amaze and surprise us with what they can imagine and do. Our responsibility is to create an environment that nurtures their natural curiosity and provide the resources to help them access the learning they need to become the best versions of their future selves,” said Bell.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
One Response
Mr shaw was a former high school history teacher not English