NKSD hires new principal for Poulsbo Middle School, director of learning support, director of student support

Published 4:08 pm Friday, March 13, 2015

POULSBO — The North Kitsap School Board hired a new principal for Poulsbo Middle School on March 12, as well as a district director of learning support and a director of student support.

Joshua Emmons, assistant principal of Cedar Heights Junior High School in the South Kitsap School District, has accepted the position of Poulsbo Middle School principal, effective July 1. He succeeds Diane Otterby, who retired. He will be paid between $98,728 and $107,757 a year, according to the district.

Emmons was previously assistant principal of Selah Intermediate School. He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a specialization in elementary science, and a master’s in educational administration, from Central Washington University.

According to a press release from the district, Emmons believes his strengths are based “in a clear vision for building the systems of effective schools, a commitment to continual growth and progress by continually pursuing excellence, and working to provide each student an education that makes his or her dreams a reality.”

Travis Smith, principal of Crestwood Elementary School in the Kent School District, has accepted the position of director of learning support, effective July 1.  He will be responsible for the supervision of grant-funded categorical programs and will plan, organize and manage the implementation of these programs.

Smith previously supervised categorical programs, special projects, and grants in the Tumwater School District. He spent several years with OSPI as the program supervisor for learning and teaching support, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and school safety.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at The Evergreen State College, and his K-8 teaching credentials and master’s in education from Eastern Washington University.  In 2012, he earned his principal certification from Saint Martin’s University.

According to NKSD, “Travis has a passion and determination that all students can learn, and believes that supplemental programs designed based off of best practices has huge educational impacts on student learning. This, combined with his expertise in identifying best practice curriculum, instruction and assessment associated with individual programs, will be a great asset to the North Kitsap School District.”

The positions of learning support and student support directors were created in a realignment of director responsibilities, following the resignation of two directors earlier in the school year.

“We worked with principals and district staff to ensure that as we move forward we have director responsibilities aligned in the best way to support our students,” NKSD spokeswoman Jenn Markaryan reported.

Michael Olsen, principal and Title 1/LAP director at Endicott School District, has accepted the position of director of student support, effective July 1. He will have supervisory responsibility for the areas of student support and family engagement. This will include planning, organizing and managing the implementation of the district’s support services for students (safety, health, counseling, discipline, community and social services, student athletics and activities, and other support services).

Prior to his duties at Endicott School District, Olsen worked in the Selah School District as the Title 1/LAP director, district assessment coordinator, and as an assistant principal.  His teaching career started in the Moses Lake School District.

Olsen earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Washington State University, and his elementary education credentials from Central Washington University. He earned his master’s in educational leadership from Central Washington University.

“Michael’s leadership foundation is anchored in the fundamental understanding that all students can learn and achieve at high levels, and that working together in an environment based on strong relationships will accomplish this,” Markaryan reported. “He is committed to advocating for the needs of all students. Michael’s experiences working with and living in diverse communities and his commitment to education will make him an excellent addition to the district.”

Smith and Olsen will each be paid between $107,300 and $115,000 a year, according to the district.