Superintendent
Fred Podesta, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent
Fred Podesta serves as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, a role he assumed in September 2025. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Podesta spent more than six years as the district’s Chief Operations Officer, overseeing critical functions such as infrastructure, finance, technology, and regulatory services.
With over 38 years of experience in public service, Mr. Podesta has held leadership roles across local and state government agencies, consistently advancing operational excellence and community impact. His 25-year tenure with the City of Seattle included over a decade reporting directly to the City’s mayor, deepening his understanding of Seattle’s diverse communities and the essential role of public education in civic life.
A proud University of Washington graduate, Mr. Podesta brings a values-driven approach to leadership. He believes public education is the cornerstone of an equitable and thriving society. Under his leadership, Seattle Public Schools strives to be a high-performing organization that supports students, families, educators, and school leaders through effective operations, strategic planning, sound financial stewardship, and empowering tools.
Mr. Podesta’s commitment to Seattle’s students is rooted in the belief that high-quality instruction in safe, welcoming environments has a transformative impact—and that no local institution is better positioned than Seattle Public Schools to enrich neighborhoods and build a stronger future for all.
The board is actively searching for Seattle Public Schools’ next superintendent.
Learn more about the search for the new superintendent.
Seattle Public Schools Strategic Plan
The 2019-24 Seattle Public Schools Strategic Plan was adopted in March 2019. While the district’s work to provide excellence to all of our students continues, this five-year plan focuses on students furthest away from educational justice. It is a bold plan, one that will help us move the needle and make sure that every student gets what they need to graduate prepared for college, career, and community.