Dear SPS Families and Staff,  

I have made some changes in central office to better support our schools and school leaders. I am excited to announce a new leadership structure for school supervision designed to better align support with the unique needs of students and schools at each grade level.   

Beginning this school year, the district is moving away from a regional model and establishing seven Executive Directors of Schools positions based on grade bands: elementary schools, K-8 schools, middle schools, high schools, and alternative and nontraditional schools. 

The reorganization reflects our commitment to creating stronger instructional leadership, more consistent support for principals, and deeper expertise aligned to the developmental and academic needs of students. 

The new executive directors of schools are: 

• Dr. James Mercer, Executive Director of Elementary Schools 
• Dr. Jessica Conte, Executive Director of Elementary Schools 
• Dr. Rena Deese, Executive Director of Elementary Schools 
• Justin Hendrickson, Executive Director of K-8 Schools 
• Dr. Katrina Hunt, Executive Director of Middle Schools 
• Christopher Carter, Executive Director of High Schools and Athletics 
• Lynn Herink, Executive Director of Alternative and Nontraditional Schools 

Read the Executive Directors of Schools Bios and the list of schools they will oversee. 

The executive directors of schools will lead the work of putting this new model into action. They will work closely with school leaders to understand the needs of each school and help find the best ways to provide support. They will also play an important role in building strong relationships with families, community partners, and other stakeholders. 

I believe school leaders need more collaboration and support, and the new executive director role will help make that possible. This approach will give central office departments a better understanding of the needs of individual schools and regions.  

I understand that change can sometimes cause concern or uncertainty. However, I am confident that aligning the central office more closely with the needs of school leaders will help create a stronger, more connected school system. 

In partnership,  

Ben Shuldiner  
Superintendent 

Seattle Public Schools