A message from the Superintendent

Jan. 31, 2012

Good afternoon,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Duggan Harman, our Executive Director of Finance and Audit, to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance.
 
Duggan currently directs the District’s financial department, including overseeing the budget, accounting, grants, payroll and audit response departments. He will take over for Bob Boesche, who has served as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance since March 2011. Bob will continue assisting in a transitional role over the next several months.
 
Last spring when Seattle Public Schools conducted the search for this position, the process was put on hold when it became apparent we had few viable external candidates with both larger urban district experience and expertise with Washington state school finance. This month, in weighing options that create both stability and expertise in the budget arena, it became clear that Duggan will offer both.

Given the budget challenges we face, we will not replace the Executive Director of Business and Audit, and will instead look at reorganization in the department in order to create a cost savings.

During his 19 years with Seattle Public Schools, Duggan has held positions in both academic and operational (financial) departments. He managed the District’s extended school-year programs, was a program evaluator and has handled budgeting for all academic programs. For the past year Duggan has led renewed efforts with internal controls, served as the District’s audit liaison, chaired the WSS Committee, provided expertise on legislative matters impacting K-12 finance in Olympia, and led the School Board through its budget development process to ensure a balanced budget every year. Duggan’s bio is online at http://bit.ly/Harmanbio.

I want to sincerely thank Bob Boesche for his service to Seattle Public Schools. He stepped into the interim role at a very challenging time and helped us restructure and refocus. I hope you will join me in congratulating Duggan as he assumes his new role.

Sincerely,


Susan


Susan Enfield, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools