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Leadership Changes For the 2025-26 School Year

New Associate Director of Health & Safety

The Snoqualmie Valley School District is pleased to welcome Dr. Alessandra Schiavone as the new Associate Director of Health & Safety. This districtwide role supports health services, emergency preparedness, and student safety systems across SVSD schools.

Dr. Schiavone brings extensive experience in student safety coordination, Title IX and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) compliance, and crisis response. She most recently served as the Student Safety & Title IX Coordinator for the Weld Re-4 School District in Colorado, where she led cross-agency threat assessments and supported safe reentry protocols. Her background also includes serving as a middle school assistant principal, content specialist, and science educator, where she integrated trauma-informed and restorative practices into daily school operations.

A passionate advocate for healthy learning environments, Dr. Schiavone holds a doctorate in Education Leadership from Colorado State University and is certified in a wide range of safety and compliance programs, including restorative justice and nonviolent crisis intervention. She looks forward to bringing her leadership and expertise to Snoqualmie Valley and being a visible, engaged presence across the district.

Beth Porter Named Assistant Superintendent

Photo of Beth Porter

The Snoqualmie Valley School District is pleased to announce that Beth Porter will be stepping into the role of Assistant Superintendent. Beth brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to this new position.

Before joining SVSD, Beth served as Principal at Snohomish High School and held a district administrative role in the Renton School District. Since arriving in Snoqualmie Valley in 2019, she has made significant contributions, most recently leading efforts to successfully secure labor agreements with all bargaining groups. Her collaborative approach and steadfast commitment to staff and student success have been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Human Resources.

Please join us in congratulating Beth Porter on this well-earned promotion. We will share more updates regarding our leadership structure in August.

 

Mount Si High School Leadership Update

The Snoqualmie Valley School District is also pleased to share that longtime Mount Si administrator Vernie Newell has been selected to serve as Interim Principal of Mount Si High School for the 2025–26 school year.

Vernie Newell has served as Associate Principal at Mount Si since 2013 and previously led the school’s freshman campus. Known for his steady leadership and strong relationships, he is well-equipped to guide the high school community during this transition year.

To support this leadership change, SVSD welcomes back Kirk Dunckel as Associate Principal. A former SVSD principal and veteran educator, Mr. Dunckel began his career in Snoqualmie Valley in 1984 and most recently served as an administrator in the Coeur d'Alene School District. His depth of experience, including work at the high school level, will be a strong asset to Mount Si.

The search for Mount Si’s next permanent principal will begin in early 2026, with a commitment to a competitive and inclusive hiring process.

 

 

Strengthening Elementary Leadership: 2025–26 Assignments

As part of a strategic plan to increase student support and ensure responsible use of resources, SVSD is transitioning from a part-time assistant principal model to providing each elementary school with a full-time leadership role—either an Assistant Principal or a Dean of Students. This shift reflects rising behavioral and social-emotional needs and aims to enhance instructional leadership across all schools.

Key highlights of this blended approach:

  • Daily leadership presence in every elementary school

  • Support for positive behavior, student well-being, and family engagement

  • Financial sustainability through customized staffing based on school needs

The Assistant Principal and Dean of Students roles are equally focused on fostering safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments where students belong and educators are supported.

Elementary School Leadership Assignments for 2025–26

  • Cascade View Elementary:
    Assistant Principal Meredith Macvean will transition to lead SVSD’s new Early Learning Center, which will expand preschool and childcare offerings next fall.
    Welcome Brad Boyd as Dean of Students. Brad brings experience as a behavior intervention specialist in Bellevue and Phoenix, SEL instructor, and student team coach. He is passionate about proactive interventions and staff partnerships.

  • Fall City Elementary:
    Jennifer Mitchell will serve as full-time Assistant Principal, expanding her leadership role while continuing to support the Highly Capable program.
    Salina Fassler, Associate Director, will lead the district’s Highly Capable program.

  • North Bend Elementary:
    Katy Gibson will continue in a full-time Assistant Principal role, providing consistent leadership and deepening connections with staff and families.

  • Opstad Elementary:
    Welcome Kimberly Lanman as Dean of Students. With more than 20 years of experience in Issaquah and SVSD, Kimberly has served as a Dean, multilingual teacher, and PBIS/MTSS leader. Her strengths in creating inclusive school climates will benefit the Opstad community.

  • Snoqualmie Elementary:
    Assistant Principal Valerie Li has accepted a Principal position in the Issaquah School District.
    Welcome Leianna Ridgeway as Dean of Students. A nationally certified School Psychologist and former SVSD Behavioral Health Specialist, Leianna brings expertise in SEL, MTSS, and family engagement.

  • Timber Ridge Elementary:
    No changes—Joe Weber will continue as full-time Assistant Principal, providing steady leadership.