Ben Shuldiner Marks First 50 Days as Superintendent
Summary : In his first 50 days as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Ben Shuldiner has visited more than half of the district’s 106 schools
Ben Shuldiner Marks First 50 Days as Superintendent by Visiting More Than Half of Seattle Public Schools
In his first 50 days as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Ben Shuldiner has visited more than half of the district’s 106 schools, including over 60 schools to date, keeping him on pace to fulfill his commitment to visit every school within his first 100 days.
Since Feb. 1, Superintendent Shuldiner has spent every instructional day in school buildings. During those visits, he has observed classrooms, spoken with students, met with educators and school leaders, and seen firsthand what is working well and where additional support is needed.
“This is about learning quickly, acting thoughtfully, and putting students front and center,” Shuldiner said. “We have real challenges ahead, but I’m confident in the direction we are heading because it is being shaped by staying close to the people on the ground who live this work every day.”
In his most recent Sunday message to the community, Superintendent Shuldiner wrote about these visits and what he is learning from them, highlighting the strength of educators, the rigor and relevance already present in many classrooms, and the deep commitment of families and community members across Seattle. At the same time, he was clear about the need to improve systems, expand the quality of instruction in classrooms, and bring greater clarity and coherence to how the district operates.
Based on first-hand observations of what he sees in schools each day, Superintendent Shuldiner has expressed confidence that the district can make the necessary improvements to fulfill his vision of becoming the best urban public school system in America.
That commitment to being present in schools has been visible across the city and noted by district leadership.
“Superintendent Shuldiner’s consistent commitment to being in dozens of our schools has made a real difference across the whole city, and especially in South Seattle’s District 7. As a school board director, it’s important to me to see that work firsthand—listening alongside him, learning from students and educators, and ensuring our governance and decision-making stay rooted in the real experiences of our school communities and what students need to thrive.”
— Jen LaVallee, Seattle School Board Director, District 7
Families have also experienced that presence firsthand.
“It was exciting to join Superintendent Shuldiner during his school visit at Garfield High School. I was encouraged to see him spending almost all of his time talking directly with students and teachers. Superintendent Shuldiner’s questions about course offerings and the time he spent in Garfield classrooms left me optimistic about his leadership and what is to come in SPS.”
— Kathleen Lendvay, Garfield High School parent and PTSA president
Educators say those visits stand out in meaningful ways.
“In my 29 years of teaching, Superintendent Shuldiner is only the second superintendent to visit Hay and the first I can remember coming into my classroom. Knowing he’s willing to spend time in schools and see students learning in real classrooms says a lot about how much he values educators and students.”
— Gini Powers, Teacher, John Hay Elementary School
School leaders have similarly emphasized the connection between these visits and a shared focus on student learning.
“It was truly meaningful to welcome Superintendent Shuldiner into our school to spend time with staff and experience student learning firsthand. His thoughtful questions and focus on student outcomes and growth demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting schools and ensuring high quality learning for every student.”
— Mary McDaniel, Principal, Highland Park Elementary School
Students have also played an important role in welcoming Shuldiner to their schools.
“Having the opportunity to give the superintendent a tour of Cleveland was a privilege in itself. He and his team listened to our concerns, asked questions about our academics, and even about our students’ day-to-day life. I could instantly tell that SPS was in good hands when I had the chance to show them around and tell them about CHS.”
— Feven Teferra, 12th Grade Student, Cleveland High school
Superintendent Shuldiner will continue visiting schools across the city throughout the spring, with the goal of visiting all 106 schools within his first 100 days.